When harvesting is complete, acceptable seed is then prepared for bagging and certification. During processing, seed is cleaned of weed seeds, small grains, and screenings. Appropriate chemical dressings are applied using state of the art technology and equipment.
Seed is weighed and packed under Department of Agriculture supervision, prior to application of a Department of Agriculture label. A sample of each seed lot is tested, with a final seed lot test report issued by the Department of Agriculture. Certified Blue Label seed is ready for delivery to Irish farmers. A sample of each seed lot is sown in ‘post-control’ plots at Backweston, Leixlip, Co. Kildare.
Certified sales are reported to the Plant Variety Development Office (PVDO), with royalties paid to plant breeders to help ensure breeders continue to bring new and improved varieties to the market.
The processing stage is one of the many elements of the certification process which guarantees the grain buyer with consistent quality.
The benefits of using Certified Seed
- Guaranteed germination
- Consistent quality
- Reduced seeding rates
- Guaranteed varietal purity
- Fully traceable
- Independently monitored
- Reduced risk of seed borne diseases
- Continued cereal genetic improvement
