The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the Authorization Program under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).  As Designated Authority for the OECD Seed Schemes in the United States, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers this program in accordance with internationally established guidelines.  This Authorization Program will be operational October 1, 2006.

AMS’ primary responsibilities in administering this program are to ensure that U.S. seed moves in international trade in an efficient and competitive manner; as well as to ensure compliance with guidelines established by the OECD Seed Schemes.  The purpose of the Authorization Program is to allow certain OECD activities to be performed by accredited entities operating under an ISO-based Quality Management System.  These entities, which must be accredited by AMS, will be authorized to conduct field inspection, sampling and labeling, and testing activities nationwide.  Interested parties should contact their state Seed Certifying Agency (SCA) or AMS for information regarding the accreditation process.

AMS has longstanding agreements with SCAs for performing OECD-related activities.  These entities will continue to provide these necessary services, and will work with AMS to facilitate the implementation of the Authorization Program.

Seed laboratories that are approved under the USDA Accredited Seed Laboratory program may perform testing activities related to the OECD Seed Schemes.  Samples must be taken by an authorized sampler.  By October 1, 2006, laboratories who are currently testing under the OECD program must submit documentation that demonstrates minimum testing standards are being met.