Question & AnswerQ&A (DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 7)
The purpose is to provide revised criteria for the accreditation of seed producers to ensure an adequate supply of seeds of desired quality in accordance with the Seed Act.
An individual farmer or a member of a cooperative, seed association, or farmer organization can apply for accreditation.
The seed producer must have undergone training in seed technology and gained skills and experience in the basic principles and practices of producing the specific crop involved.
The area must have sustained irrigation throughout the year, access to seed post-harvest equipment and storage facilities, and appropriate agro-climatic conditions for the crop.
The minimum effective area required is one (1) hectare.
An application for seed certification indicating the seed class to be produced, variety, area to be planted, and location of the farm must be filed two months before planting.
The seed producer must allow inspection of the field anytime before planting through harvest and processing, and allow seed samples to be drawn for laboratory analysis and quality testing.
The Regional Director concerned recommends accreditation after validation by the designated Seed Inspector and concurrence by the Chiefs of the NSQCS of the respective regions.
The certificate of accreditation is valid for three years and renewal requires validation of performance as per the General Implementing Guidelines of the National Seed Quality Control Services.
Non-compliance is ground for denial of accreditation or cancellation of an existing certificate.