Seed Certification

We conduct the Seed Certification program in Delaware for seed companies and local growers, resulting in the use of higher quality seed for soybeans and small grains in Delaware. The certification process consists of field inspections of the mature crop, sampling, laboratory analysis, and proper labeling through certified seed tags (Title 3 Chapter 15 §1507). Funds collected for certified seed tags and field inspections are placed in an Appropriated Special Funds (ASF) account. The Seed Certification Specialist also collects royalty fees on patented varieties where a royalty agreement is in force (Title 3 Chapter 15 §1507) and enforces the Plant Variety Protection Act (federal law). A portion of the royalty fee collected is paid to the Delaware Department of Agriculture and placed in an ASF account.

Saving Seeds: What is your legal liability?

Seed Testing

Two aspects to the program ensure that Delaware consumers are purchasing quality seed:

1. Enforcement of the Seed Law (Title 3 Chapter 15). Inspectors take official seed samples from stores and have them tested in our laboratory. Labels on seed packages are also reviewed and compared to the test results.
2. Seed testing service. Delawareans can bring seed samples into the DDA Seed Laboratory for analysis.

Seed Lab Testing Fees

Revenues collected for service seed samples are placed into the State General Fund.

Grain Inspection

Our staff provides grain inspection, training, and grading services to grain mills statewide. We examine and issue two-year licenses to operators who inspect grain in Delaware. All grain mill employees must be licensed, and grain testing equipment must be registered with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Grain mills are certified annually (Title 3 Chapter 16 – Grain Inspection, Certification, and Grain Contracts).

Forms

• Grain Mill Application
• Grain Inspectors Application  Updated
• Grain Inspectors Renewal Application  Updated
• Grain Inspectors Removal Form
• Grain Inspection Complaint Form

The license fee per two-year period is $10.00 and the revenues go into the State General Fund.

Contact Us

Kenneth Wilkins, Agricultural Inspector, Grain Inspector
Business Phone: 302-698-4593

Olivia Everett, Environmental Scientist II, Seed Certification Specialist
Business Phone: 302-698-4596

Courtney Kohel, Agricultural Inspector, Seed Lab
Business Phone: 302-698-4590