In carrying out its mandate, the national seed certifying authority (Seed Services) is guided by the Seeds Act (Chapter 19:13) and its enabling Regulations, and the Seeds (Certification) Scheme Notice 2000. It also administers the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act (Chapter 18:16). The Authority also grants plant breeders’ rights, registers new varieties, provides inspections for certification of seed, samples and seals seed lots, tests seed samples for purity and germination and issues seed sellers’ licenses to facilitate seed trade.

Variety Release and Recognition

New plant varieties that meet requirements of value for cultivation and use (VCU); and pass the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) tests, are released and listed in the Second Schedule of the Seeds Certification Scheme. Registered seed companies produce certified seed for the market.