The following requirements apply to growers contracting with AgriLife Foundation Seed and are intended to ensure genetic purity, varietal integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Certified Seed Grower
This information is provided for reference for growers interested in seed certification. Certification is required for participation in many foundation seed production programs.
Grower Requirements
Detailed information on seed certification standards, grower eligibility, and compliance requirements is available on the Certified Seed and Brown Bagging page in Resources.
Contract seed growers must meet applicable foundation seed production standards, including certification requirements, field eligibility, isolation distances, inspection protocols, and post-harvest handling expectations. Requirements vary by crop and production location and are established to maintain genetic purity, varietal integrity, and regulatory compliance.
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 AOSCA:
Interested in becoming a certified seed grower?
Compliance and Seed Programs
Growers interested in contract growing for AgriLife Foundation Seed must meet the following requirements.
- Provide a crop history for the potential land for the past 5 years.
- Have available irrigation.
- Be located in areas adaptable for the crop.
- Demonstrate excellent farming practices and a record of above-average proven yields.
- Have land completely free of noxious weeds or any other potential contaminants.
- Clean all planting equipment prior to planting and allow inspection.
- Abide by AgriLife Foundation Seed fertility and watering recommendations.
- Allow on-site inspections and rouging of the growing crop at any time during the growing season.
- Clean harvesting equipment and allow inspection prior to harvest.
- Ensure that the seed meets all Texas Department of Agriculture quality standards and guidelines for foundation seed.
- Deliver the seed to AgriLife Foundation Seed facilities in Vernon, TX or to one of our designated delivery points.
Quantities of crops grown are based on market demands, and not all crops are produced every year. Commodity market prices (including premiums), reduced-price planting seed and harvest expenses determine contract pricing.
If you can meet these and other requirements and are interested in joining our team of contract growers, please contact Foundation Seed:
Phone: 940-552-6226
Fax: 940-552-5524
Email: richard.vierling@ag.tamu.edu
