Request for Licensing Proposals (RFPs)
There are several steps before a newly developed seed appears on the shelves of your local seed dealer. First, the AgriLife Research Plant Review Committee must approve the release of a new plant variety. Next, the variety can be considered for entry into various states’ seed certification programs. The State Seed and Plant Board of Texas, the Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association and the Oregon Seed Certification Service are examples of such programs. Finally, we invite interested parties to submit licensing proposals to bring newly approved varieties to market. This last step is in keeping with our legislative mandate to protect AgriLife Research intellectual property.
Contract Seed Grower Information
AgriLife Foundation Seed’s mission, above all, is to produce seeds of the highest standard of genetic purity. However, there are times when we seek out Texas producers willing to work under very precise guidelines and standards to produce many kinds of foundation seeds. Contact us if you have irrigated land and are interested in producing wheat, oats, barley, rye, peanuts, cotton, guar, cowpeas, millet or forage foundation seeds.
Certified Seed Grower
Not currently a Certified Seed Grower?
Seed certification is the process required to produce high-quality pedigreed seed. Certified seed is a limited-generation seed production system. Foundation seed produces registered seed, registered seed produces certified seed, and certified seed produces grain or another commodity.
Special land requirements, planting eligible stock, field inspections, proper seed labeling and meeting standards based on complete lab analysis are all required of certified seed growers.
The following information is from www.aosca.org:
The four seed classes are:
Breeder Seed:
The originating or sponsoring plant breeding organization directly controls this seed class.
Foundation Seed:
The progeny of Breeder or Foundation seed handled to maintain specific genetic purity and varietal identity.
Registered Seed:
The progeny of Breeder or Foundation seed handled to maintain satisfactory genetic purity and varietal identity.
Certified Seed:
The progeny of Breeder, Foundation or Registered seed handled to maintain satisfactory genetic purity and varietal identity.
Interested in becoming a certified seed grower?
To register as a certified seed grower, contact the Texas Department of Agriculture, TDA. there’s no charge to register. Just complete the State Certified Seed Grower Application [RSC-1202], and the TDA crop inspector for your county will interview you.