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| Seed sample for phytosanitary analysis is collected by Oregon Department of Agriculture inspector. |
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| Sample is divided equally: one for testing and another as a control sample. |
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| The Oregon State University seed testing lab is one of two locations that perform phytosanitary evaluation. |
Most countries require seed certification for importation. Seed to be exported is required to pass phytosanitary requirements established by the receiving country. Phytosanitary regulations are monitored by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Countries importing Oregon grown grass seed file their requirements with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Seed companies access this information through computers connected to marketing companies exporting seed, or freight forwarding companies usually located near a shipping facility. Seed marketers shipping to a customer outside the United States must comply with regulations imposed by that country.
Seed sampling and evaluation for a phytosanitary certificate is similar to that of pure seed analysis.
Representative samples are taken from each export seed lot by Oregon Department of Agriculture inspectors. Inspectors deliver samples directly to the Oregon State University seed lab-oratory, or sealed official samples may be forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture for evaluation.
Samples are analyzed for pests and diseases in accordance with the specifications of importing countries.
When testing has been completed and the seed lot has passed the requirements of the importing country, a Phytosanitary Certificate is sent to the applicant marketing company. The certificate becomes part of documentation necessary for the international transaction.
Oregon
Seed Council503-585-1157 / Fax 503-585-1292
1193 Royvonne Avenue South, Suite 11
Salem, Oregon 97302