The OECD Schemes for the Varietal Certification of Seed, established in 1958, promotes the use of certified agriculture seed that is of consistently high quality. These seeds are produced – and officially controlled – according to a set of harmonised procedures put in place in the 62 participating countries. With membership open to OECD, UN and WTO countries, the aim is to stimulate the production and use of high quality seeds. There are eight schemes, each defined according to a group of species of cultivated plants; at present, 204 agricultural and vegetable species are covered.

The OECD Schemes for the Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in International Trade include Rules and Regulations applicable to eight groups of species constituting the following Schemes:

• Grasses and Legumes
• Crucifers and other Oil or Fibre species
• Cereals
• Maize
• Sorghum and Pearl Millet
• Sugar and Fodder Beet
• Subterranean clover and similar species
• Vegetables

These rules and regulations define the technical standards developed by seed certification specialists in participating countries in close co-operation with other international seed-related organisations, such as FAO, ISF, ISTA and UPOV. Many regional seed representative organisations also participate in the development of technical standards.

The OECD is known for its evidence-based advice and standards, as well as for being a forum where national experts from different areas can meet and jointly develop common standards and procedures. This and the involvement of highly qualified seed experts in the standard setting process ensure the wide acceptance of the OECD seed varietal certification system, and its value to the global seed and agricultural sectors.

The World Seed Partnership (WSP) is an initiative established by ISF, ISTA, OECD and UPOV to promote access to new varieties and high quality seed that supports sustainable agricultural development.

The List of Varieties eligible for seed certification under the OECD Seed Schemes is available in our electronic database or for download in document format from the varieties section.

Consult the rules, regulations and guidelines for the OECD seeds scheme or download the full document directly (English | Francais)

Upcoming Events

Technical Working Group meeting: 29^th January – 2^nd February 2024 in Livingstone, Zambia

Annual meeting: 10-14^th June 2024 in Nice, France

Intergovernmental Organisations

• Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (CEE/ONU)
• European Commission - Health and Food Safety (EC)
• European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)

Non Governmental Organisations

• Association of Official Seeds Analysts (AOSA)
• Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA)
• African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA)
• Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA)
• American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB-UNEP)
• Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations and General Confederation of  Agricultural Co-operatives in the European Union (COPA-COGECA)
• European Seed Association (ESA)
• Federation of Latin American Seed Associations (FELAS)
• International Institute for Research in Sugar Beet (IIRB)
• International Seed Federation (ISF)
• International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)
• International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
• World Farmer's Organization (WFO)

List of Biochemical and Molecular Techniques (BMT) Methods in use by Participating Countries

Internationally recognized methods currently commonly used by the National Designated Authorities can be found in the Guidelines for Control Plot Tests and Field Inspection of Seed Crops.

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