Brand and Variety

Use of the terms Brand and Variety

Ernest Allen from the USDA’s Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD) gave an update on efforts to review the use of brand and variety names on seed company websites during the 2024 ASTA Turf, Forage, and Conservation Seed meeting on October 29, 2024.
With no major issues identified, the division will shift its focus back to routine monitoring. Director Allen summarized the most common errors on seed company websites as:
• Listing names without designating them as brand or variety
• Not listing the kind name in the advertisement
• Abbreviated kind name
• Use of the scientific name instead of the common name

After providing notice to the trade on March 12, 2024 approximately 70 seed company websites were reviewed. Fifteen (15) companies had no issues, while 55 companies had at least one minor issue that resulted in a warning letter from USDA. No major or penalty-level problems were discovered. In cooperation with state regulatory officials, the SRTD also monitors newspaper, magazine, TV, radio, and print materials promoting seed in interstate commerce.
Since 2022 the SRTD has been in discussions with state regulatory officials and conducting outreach on brand and variety naming requirements through workshops, trainings, and webinars. With no major issues identified, the division will shift its focus back to routine monitoring as it continues to promote a fair and competitive space for seed in interstate commerce. For more information visit USDA AMS Clarifies Varietal Labeling Requirements of the Federal Seed Act to Enhance Transparency for Growers | Agricultural Marketing Service