USDA Seeks More Seed Labels, Testing Details, and Paperwork
Published Date: 10/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA wants to keep collecting info about seed labeling and testing to make sure seeds sold across states are honest and safe. They’re asking for more time and some updates to how they gather this info. Farmers, seed sellers, and anyone dealing with seeds should know comments are open until December 22, 2026, with no new fees involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Truth-in-Labeling for Interstate Seed Sales
The Federal Seed Act (FSA) requires agricultural and vegetable planting seed in interstate commerce to be labeled with certain quality information and for that information to be truthful. The FSA prohibits interstate shipment of falsely advertised seed and seed containing noxious-weed seeds that are prohibited from sale in the State receiving the seed, and AMS is seeking OMB approval to continue collecting the minimum information needed to enforce these rules.
Recordkeeping Burden for Interstate Shippers
If you ship or label seed across state lines, the information collection requires recordkeeping and testing that the agency says averages 2.68 hours per response. AMS estimates 474 respondents, 1,241.88 total annual responses, and a total annual burden of 3,328 hours for interstate shippers and labelers.
Burden to Enter New Varieties into State Certification
If you seek to enter a new seed variety into a State seed certification program, the notice estimates a separate recordkeeping/reporting burden averaging 2.42 hours per response. AMS estimates 27 respondents, 137.16 total annual responses, and a total annual burden of 332 hours for these eligibility and recordkeeping activities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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