Missouri Department of Agriculture Considering Changes to Missouri Seed Law
Missouri Crop Improvement Association News & Notes
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has formed a committee to study potential changes to the Missouri Seed Law, which has not been updated since 1979. MCIA Executive Director Richard Arnett has been asked to serve on the committee and attend the first meeting held in Jefferson City on September 29th. The main emphasis of the changes will be to bring Missouri law current with modern practices and more in line with the Recommended Uniform State Seed Law (RUSSL) adopted in most other states. Specific areas the committee is looking at include:
- Fee Structure - MDA Currently uses a three tier permit system and is considering changing to a fee system based on pounds or units sold.
- Mandatory Brand Registration (not currently required) - Would require seed companies to register their brands and varieties with MDA.
- Test Date - Considering a label change from the current "Test Date" to a "Sell By" date
- Farmer Exemption - Farmers are currently exempt from labeling requirements when selling their own seed. Considering removing their exemption.
- Noxious Weed List - Considering additions to prohibited and restricted noxious weed lists.
- Mandatory Arbitration (not currently required) - Would require mandatory, non-binding arbitration in seed disputes prior to any legal action.
- Pre-emption Language - Many states have enacted legislation prohibiting local seed laws that are more restrictive than state seed laws.
- Native Wild Flower Seed - Not currently covered under Missouri law. Considering if it should be added.
- Vegetable Seed Packets - Considering changes to procedures for sampling vegetable seed packets.
- Trait Purity Testing - Considering whether to expand regulatory program to test for trait purity (herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, etc...)
The committee has planned additional work sessions and will solicit more input prior to making a formal recommendation for amending the Missouri Seed Law. MCIA's Board of Directors will have an opportunity to formulate a position on behalf of the organization, but please contact Richard at the MCIA office if you have any questions, comments or concerns concerning any of the items listed above or other ideas relative to Missouri Seed Law.