The
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, (AOSCA) is dedicated to assisting clients in the production, identification, distribution, and promotion of Certified classes of seed and other crop propagation materials. Established in 1919 as the International Crop Improvement Association, AOSCA today has member Agencies across the US, plus global member seed certifying agencies located in Canada, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Seed certification is a detailed process that includes attention to field history, crop, seed, and facility inspections, and documentation that leads to maintaining varietal and genetic seed purity. Seed that meets AOSCA world-recognized standards earns the right to have AOSCA tags applied to seed bags and containers. By recognizing the AOSCA tag, the seed customer can be assured they are purchasing high quality, pure seed.
Mission Statement:
To promote and facilitate the movement of seed or plant products in local, national, and international markets through the coordinated efforts of official seed certification agencies acting to evaluate, document, and verify that a seed or plant product meets certain accepted standards.
The major purposes of AOSCA are:
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To establish standards for genetic purity and identity and recommend standards for seed quality for the classes of Certified seed.
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To standardize seed certification regulations and operating procedures related to inter-agency seed certification.
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To periodically review agency genetic standards and procedures to assure compliance with the U.S. Federal Seed Act.
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To cooperate with seed regulatory agencies in the determination of policy, regulations, definitions, or any procedures relating to the labeling and distribution of seed moving in intra-state, inter-state, or international commerce.
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To cooperate with international organizations involved in the development of standards, regulations, procedures, and policies to expedite movement of seed and encourage international commerce of improved varieties.
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To assist member agencies in promotion, production, identification, distribution and use of the certified classes of seed and other propagating materials of crop varieties.
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To provide a wide range of support services to the seed and related industry, building upon the principles of seed certification and a long history of credibility as a third-party service provider.
AOSCA developed Organic Seed Finder with the assistance of an organic seed working group led by
Organic Seed Alliance.