WASHINGTON, April 7, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced that Burtch Seed Company, Celina, Ohio, has paid $175 to settle an alleged violation of the Federal Seed Act.
This settlement resolves one case that involved one shipment of wheat seed to Indiana. The alleged violation was as follows:
- misleading labeling of the variety name.
The company settled the case in agreement with AMS officials. The company neither admitted nor denied the charge brought against them.
The Federal Seed Act regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds to ensure that seed shipped in interstate commerce is truthfully labeled, and that advertisements about the seed are truthful. This allows seed buyers to make informed choices and promotes fair competition within the seed trade. AMS administers the Federal Seed Act by leveraging its resources with State departments of agriculture. These investigations were a result of joint efforts with seed regulatory officials in Indiana. By working collaboratively with State partners, the Federal Seed Act also helps promote uniformity among State laws and fair competition within the seed trade.
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