| PURPOSE: |
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The ND State Seed Department was established in 1931 by the state legislature. As one of the only "one stop" seed certification and regulatory entities in the United States, the Seed Department operates service programs that contribute to the quality assurance of seed and commodities produced in North Dakota and the region. A nine-member Seed Commission appointed by seed-related associations statewide, and managed by the State Seed Commissioner govern the Department.
The mission statement of the Seed Department reads: "To assure integrity of the seed industry through a commitment to client service and product quality". This statement applies to a wide variety of services and programs extending well beyond seed certification.
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| PROGRAMS: |
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- Field Seed Certification
- Potato Seed Certification
- Seed Quality Laboratory
- Seed Diagnostic and Health Laboratory
- Seed Regulatory Program
- Potato Seedstocks Production
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| SERVICES AVAILABLE: |
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Laboratory Testing
- Varietal ID (electrophoresis).
- Plant health/pathology/disease testing.
- Seed trait analysis.
- GM event testing.
- Potato virus testing.
- Germination testing.
- Seed purity testing.
- Trait bioassay testing.
- Import/Export quality tests.
- Seed vigor testing.
Field Crops and Potato
- Field inspection and certification of all northern grown field crops.
- Final certification of seed based on laboratory purity or health analysis.
- Custom services including Quality Assurance and Identity. Preservation services based on specific company standards.
- Inspection and approval of certified seed conditioning plants and bulk retail facilities.
- Promotion of production and usage of ND certified field crop and potato seed.
- Field inspection and certification of seed potatoes.
- Grade inspections for seed and commercial potato growers and processors.
- Licensing and bonding of wholesale potato dealers.
- Winter disease testing program.
- Production and distribution of foundation potato seedstocks.
- Regulation of seed commerce through state and federal seed laws.
- USDA Good Handling Practices (GHP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Food Safety Audit Certification programs for fresh vegetables and other crops.
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| COST OF SERVICES: |
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The ND State Seed Department is a self-funded agency of state government, and the Seed Commission sets service fees. Fee schedules are available by request and on the Department web site. |
| GEOGRAPHICAL AREA SERVED: |
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The ND State Seed Department offers seed certification inspection services primarily in-state, while requests for laboratory testing and other customized quality assurance services often come from throughout the region. |
| CLIENTELE SERVED: |
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- Seed growers
- Seed production companies
- Wholesale and retail seed businesses
- Seed cleaners and conditioners
- Wholesale and retail potato dealers and facilities
- Businesses interested in food grade commodity and seed exports
- Producers marketing identity-preserved commodities
- Customers requiring seed health, trait, purity or germination testing of all types
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| CONTACT: |
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Ken Bertsch, Seed Commissioner
ND State Seed Department
1313 18th Street North
PO Box 5257
Fargo, ND 58105
701-231-5400
Fax: 701-231-5401
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http://www.ndseed.com |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, July 09, 2008 )
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