Certified seed sells

Buyers know that seed carrying official seed certification labels has been quality managed from paddock to package according to rigorous international protocols. They can be confident that:

• Varietal identity of seed is known, meaning performance attributes such as productivity, disease and insect resistance are also known.
• Physical quality of seed such as purity, weed content, and germination is accurately reported.

Buyer confidence in certified seed means wider markets and quicker sales.

Seed Services Australia has been in the seed certification business since the 1930s. In a business where reputation is everything, seed certified by Seed Services Australia is highly regarded by buyers across the country and around the world.

Seed Services Australia offers two internationally accredited certification schemes:

• OECD – provides access to many important markets including European, Middle Eastern and South American countries.
• AOSCA – most well recognised certification label in North and South American markets.

Is it worth it?

Worthwhile premiums are usually offered for certified seed. Anyone who has purchased seed containing a new weed or low germination seed from a "mate" or "neighbour" will know why.

Certification is an exercise in "Value Adding". That is to say, putting in a bit more effort to get a higher return for what you are already growing.

However, certification does cost more in grower’s time, Basic seed, certification fees and cleaning costs. Before embarking on a program of certified seed production, growers should make sure that the seed to be produced can be sold at a price that will more than cover the extra cost of producing it. It is advisable to first study the existing market and discuss the prospects for different cultivars with seed companies.