|
| Seed Labeling: What's in a Name?
* Pioneer’s Position
* How Farmers Are Protected
* Seed Labeling Regulations and Practices
* Labeling Activity on a State Basis
* What You Can Do
Each season, the seed purchase is one of the most important decisions you make for your operation. Planting a diversity of genetics for both corn and soybeans helps manage production risk. But, without clear labeling on seed products, you may unknowingly purchase identical or similar genetics.
At Pioneer, we have heard questions from customers about marketplace rumors of inconsistent labeling practices, i.e., two companies selling the same corn hybrid or soybean variety, but selling it under each company’s brand name and numbering system.
You have a right to expect transparent information from seed companies when making seed purchase decisions. To help cut through the confusion and assist you in your purchasing decisions, we have provided a review of current labeling laws and what to look for on a seed bag label.
Pioneer’s Position
When you buy corn or soybean seed from Pioneer, you can rest assured that Pioneer® brand products are unique in the marketplace. Pioneer has developed its products from its unique genetic base, developed over the last 80 years, serving as the largest collection of germplasm in the industry.
In addition, Pioneer has always and continues to protect its proprietary genetics. This includes strict security protocols within DuPont and Pioneer research and production, and extensive prohibitions written on Pioneer seed bags and tags against unauthorized use of Pioneer germplasm. Pioneer has the most advanced seed production operation in the industry, designed to preserve its unique genetics base and provide value to grower and the industry. We aggressively seek to protect our lines through the use various intellectual property protection mechanisms, including obtaining patents and plant variety protection certificates.
Return to top
How Farmers Are Protected
There are regulations at both the Federal and individual state levels designed to protect farmers.
The Federal Seed Act (http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/seed/facts.htm Leaving Pioneer Site) clearly outlines the process and rules for naming a new seed variety or hybrid for commercial sale in the United States. The name first assigned to the variety or hybrid when the seed is introduced into commerce should be the only name of the variety or hybrid. If more than one company or entity sells that variety or hybrid, all sellers should use the original name in labeling products.
In hybrid corn production, more than one company or seed producer may use identical parent lines in producing a hybrid. In such cases, a second company could be producing a hybrid that is the same as another on the market. The Federal Seed Act states that both firms must use the same hybrid name in this situation. The Act also states that it is illegal to change a variety or hybrid name once the name has been legally assigned.
Return to top
Seed Labeling Regulations and Practices
Seed Labeling Regulations and Practices
The Federal Seed Act requires a number of items to be clearly identified on the seed bag tag or label. (http://www.amseed.com/newsDetail.asp?id=118 Leaving Pioneer Site). This includes basic seed labeling information, as well as a number of specifications for plantability, seed purity, etc.
Important terms include:
* Kind – Refers to the seed of one of more related plants known by a common name such as soybean, corn, or sunflowers.
* Hybrid or Variety – Refers to the subdivision of a kind. A variety or hybrid has different characteristics from another variety of the same kind of seed.
In the case of Pioneer brand products, the "Variety" or "Hybrid" listed on the seed tag, such as 33P67 in the example is also how the product is identified for marketing and promotional purposes.
However, it has been brought to our attention that some companies have added another line to the seed tag or label, identified as “Brand.” In these cases, the information under “Variety” is a series of numbers, while the “Brand” listing is the name or number that the company uses for marketing, promotional and sale purchases.
In some cases, when you compare competitive seed tags, you will find identical "Variety" numbers, but each is marketed under a different "Brand" name.
Return to top
Labeling Activity on a State Basis
Many states also have specific regulations concerning seed naming and labeling, and several states have recently become more active in this issue.
The Seed Committee of the Arkansas Plant Board has recently considered and approved a resolution (http://deltafarmpress.com/news/060202-seed-labeling/ Leaving Pioneer Site) that would require seed companies to provide the state with a list of the variety numbers for certain crops, including wheat, soybeans, rice and cotton that the company intends to sell in the state. The company should also provide any "Brand Name" that is associated with each variety number. This is an important step in providing transparent information to farmers.
In addition, the State of Iowa has recently notified all seed companies doing business in Iowa that the Department will be enforcing violations of Iowa Administrative Code, which incorporates many of the Federal Seed Act regulations.
What You Can Do
1. Buy Quality. Make sure you purchase product from a reputable seed provider
2. Get the Variety Number. Ask your seed provider to give you both the brand name and variety number for each product you buy.
3. Check for Diversity. Compare your list to ensure you are getting the genetic diversity you desire.
4. More Resources. If the need to know what you are buying is important to you, make your voice heard and contact us at [email protected] for information on how to best bring this issue to the attention of government officials responsible for protecting your right to know.
Return to top
Edited by 1586 8/19/2007 23:20
| |
|
Corn Hybrid labeling---companies using the same genetics.
