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Why Seed Labels Matter
Whether you are buying seed for your farm, to patch your lawn, for your vegetable or pollinator garden, or for a conservation program, seed sold for planting must be in a package with a label that accurately reflects its contents.
The seed label must:
- State that the seed is alive and intended to grow.
- Include the germination percentage - the percentage of seeds expected to grow into plants.
- Include the test date. The date tells you when this germination test was conducted.
Germination tests are valid for 12 or 15 months, depending on the type of seed. After that time, the label is no longer valid and the seed must be retested and relabeled before it can be sold. Proper handling and storage of seed during this time helps to maintain consistent germination.
Seed labeling protects the consumer by providing truthful information about the source, genetic identity or variety, and quality of the seed being purchased. Although seed consumers don't need to be familiar with all aspects of the seed law, there are some general guidelines that one can follow when purchasing seed.
When purchasing seed:
- Buy only from reputable sources.
- Review advertisements carefully to ensure they provide complete information.
- Never buy unlabeled seed.
- Do not buy seed with a germination test date more than 12 to 15 months old (excluding the month of the test), or with an expired sell-by or packaged-for date.
- Be aware of certification and patent restrictions.
- Keep a copy of the label and all receipts for each lot purchased.
Retailers should:
- Work with reputable vendors that rotate stock using a first-in, first-out policy.
- Replace labels on carryover seed from the previous year.
- Return or properly relabel seed with expired test dates.
- Do not sell seed with expired labels.
- Keep complete purchase and sales invoices.
- Keep copies of original labels.
Seed labelers must:
- Obtain a permit to label seed.
- Have seed tested according to Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) Rules for Testing Seeds.
- Label seed completely and accurately.
- Keep required records for each lot sold for three years.
- Keep a file sample of each seed lot sold for one year.
- Ensure licensing agreements allow the sale of the variety being marketed.
- Comply with certification requirements for the variety.
Expected performance of the seed should be based on varietal characteristics and the quality factors listed on the label. Without a label, there is no declaration of capability and no proof the seed is intended for planting purposes. Without proof, it can be difficult, if not impossible; to seek damages from a seed seller if a consumer believes the seed didn’t perform as expected.
All seed offered for sale in containers or in bulk for sowing purposes in Minnesota must have attached a seed label containing the information required by the Minnesota Seed Law (Minnesota Statutes, section 21.82). Proper labeling is the responsibility of the person or firm whose name appears on the label as the labeler. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
This category of seed applies to farmers who are planting corn, soybean, or cover crop for livestock for example. Make sure that seed has a full label, and example label is provided below. If you are buying seed from a bulk bin, the seller should have a label nearby that is accessible and should be provided with the bulk certificate.
For classes of certified seed, proof of certification is required in the form of a certified seed label or bulk certificate issued by a recognized seed certification agency.
| Kind: Wheat | Variety: Certified Norden | Lot Number: 13-1AZ | ||||
| Pure Seed: 99.90% | Weed Seed (If Present): 0.01% | Other Crop: 0.01% | ||||
| Germination: 94% | Hard (Dormant) Seed (If Present): N/A % | Total: Germination Plus Hard (Dormant) Seed (Optional): N/A % | ||||
| Noxious Weed Seeds (Name of Each Present): None | Number Per Pound: N/A | |||||
| Origin (State or foreign Country): Minnesota | Germination Test Date (Month and Year): 1/18 | |||||
| For Hybrid Field Corn Relative Maturity (Single Day Increment, Such as 93 Days): N/A | Net Weight: 50 lbs. | |||||
| Labeler’s Name: John Doe Seed Co. | ||||||
| Labeler’s Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Prairietown, MN 55555 | ||||||
The labeling requirements depend on how the seed is packaged. Large quantities of single kinds or mixes must meet all the requirements of seed labeled for agricultural use. Smaller packets of seed packaged for home gardeners require more limited information on the label if the seed meets minimum requirements for quality.
An example of a label for a packet of seed is provided.
Kind: |
Variety: |
Lot Number: | Net Weight or Number of Seeds: | |
| Packed for (Year - Expires on 12/31 of the year stated): | Sell by (Optional - Month/Year): | |||
| Labeler’s Name: | Address: | |||
| City: | State: | Zip: | ||
Numerous state and federal programs support conservation plantings in Minnesota. Although these programs have specific requirements for those that are enrolled, not all programs provide details on whether the vendors providing the seed to be used in these plantings are compliant with the Minnesota Seed Law. It is recommended to obtain labels for the seed that is being used in your conservation planting, and to consult with the MDA regarding the seed mix if the label looks significantly different from the example provided below. Contact your local seed inspector.
| Mixture Name: Little House Prairie Mixture | Lot Number: W123–07 | |||||||||||
Kind | Variety | Origin | Pure Seed % | Germination % | Hard (Dormant) % | Total Viable % | ||||||
Big Bluestem | Charles | SD | 40 | 80 | 15 | 95 | ||||||
Little Bluestem | Edward | TX | 30 | 75 | 10 | 85 | ||||||
Switchgrass | Laura | MN | 24 | 80 | 5 | 85 | ||||||
| Other Crop Seed: 1.0% | Weed Seed: 0.5% | Inert Matter: 4.5% | ||||||||||
| Noxious Weed Seeds (Name of Each Present): None | Number Per Pound: 0 | Net Weight: 52 lbs. | ||||||||||
| Germination Test Date (Month/Year): 1/18 | Sell by Date (Optional - Month/Year): 4/19 | |||||||||||
| Labeler’s Name: Ingalls Seed | Labeler’s Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Prairietown, MN 55555 | |||||||||||
Home gardeners and conservation volunteer groups often collect and share seed through seed libraries or free handouts. Seed libraries also exist as a place for collected seeds to be stored for free taking to use in home gardens.
These types of seed transactions are exempt from the Minnesota Seed Law and do not need to be labeled if:
- The seed does not contain prohibited or restricted weed seeds or seeds listed as noxious weed seeds.
- The seed is not for sale.
In situations where large quantities of seed are being collected for reuse, we recommend getting them tested for prohibited or restricted weed seeds and for noxious weed seeds.
