Who We Are - AOSCA – Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies

The Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA)

is a non-profit organization founded in 1919 (formally known as the International Crop Improvement Association) in an effort to establish credible standards for the production of high-quality seed. Today, AOSCA has member agencies across the U.S. as well as seven member countries including Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

There is only one certification agency in each state; generally a Crop Improvement Association, Seed Growers Association, Department of Agriculture, or within an Agricultural College. Each member agency adheres to the AOSCA minimum standards but has the flexibility to make standards more stringent if necessary for the production in their own state. All AOSCA standards abide by the Federal Seed Act requirements for certified seed.

The Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA)

Today, AOSCA member agencies certify around 2.5 million acres of crops and grasses annually.

In addition to establishing crop standards, AOSCA also hosts the National Variety Review Board (NVRB) for Alfalfa/Legumes, Grass, Hemp, Small Grains, and Sunflowers. The NVRB establishes eligibility requirements for varieties entering certification programs, focusing on genetic purity, novelty, and sufficient data to support claims made by plant breeders for new varieties. These review boards are comprised of plant breeders, AOSCA members, seed industry professionals, USDA-AMS, USDA-PVP, and others. The goal of each NVRB committee is to offer a non-biased peer review process for varieties prior to entering the seed certification programs.

AOSCA is led by Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sarah Wilbanks along with a Board of Directors consisting of two members from each U.S. Region, and two Global representatives. For additional detailed information regarding AOSCA, use the link at the top right of this page.

AOSCA 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.

Our Purpose

To establish minimum standards for genetic purity and identity and recommend minimum standards for seed quality for the classes of certified seed.
To standardize seed certification regulations and procedures, and operational procedures in inter-agency seed certification.
To periodically review agency genetic standards and procedures to assure compliance with the Federal Seed Act.
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.
To cooperate with the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and international organizations involved in the development of standards, regulations, procedures, and policies to expedite movement of seed and encourage international commerce in improved varieties.
To assist member agencies in promotion, production, identification, distribution and use of the certified classes of seed and other propagating materials of crop varieties.

About Us

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’s membership includes Seed Certifying Agencies across the US, and Global membership including Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

AOSCA 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.

Our Purpose

To assist member agencies in promotion, production, identification, distribution and use of the certified classes of seed and other propagating materials of crop varieties.
To establish minimum standards for genetic purity and identity and recommend minimum standards for seed quality for the classes of certified seed.
To standardize operational procedures to promote the free movement of seed across state and international borders.
To periodically review agency genetic standards and procedures to assure compliance with the Federal Seed Act.
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.
To cooperate with the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and international organizations involved in the development of standards, regulations, procedures, and policies to expedite movement of seed and encourage international commerce in improved varieties.