Revisions to the Federal Seed Act Regulations, 40571-40584 [2020-12920]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 7, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40571-40584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12920]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Parts 201 and 202

[Doc. No. AMS-ST-19-0039]
RIN 0581-AD91


Revisions to the Federal Seed Act Regulations

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule revises the regulations that implement the 
Federal Seed Act (FSA). Revisions are made to seed labeling, testing, 
and certification requirements. The revisions add certain seed species 
to the lists of covered kinds of seed and update the lists to reflect 
current scientific nomenclature; update regulations related to seed 
quality, germination and purity standards, and acceptable seed testing 
methods; and update seed certification and recertification 
requirements, including new eligibility standards and the recognition 
of current breeding techniques. This rule aligns FSA regulations with 
current industry practices, harmonizes FSA testing methods with 
industry standards, and clarifies confusing or contradictory language 
in the existing regulations. The revisions are expected to reduce trade 
burden associated with interstate seed commerce and encourage 
compliance with State and Federal laws.

DATES: Effective August 6, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ernest Allen, Director, Seed 
Regulatory and Testing Division, Science and Technology Program, AMS, 
USDA; 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA; 
telephone: 704-810-8884; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FSA (7 U.S.C. 1551-1611) regulates 
interstate commerce of planting seeds for agricultural and gardening 
purposes. The FSA requires seeds to meet certain germination rate, 
purity, and certification standards. Under the FSA, seeds must be 
truthfully labeled with specific quality information. As well, the FSA 
requires all persons shipping agricultural seed in interstate commerce 
to maintain records of seed variety, origin, treatment, germination, 
and purity. Regulations established under the FSA (7 CFR part 201) 
(regulations) implement the requirements of the FSA and are 
administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
    From time to time, AMS finds it necessary to update the regulations 
to reflect current industry standards and practices and to remove 
obsolete references. AMS last updated the regulations in 2011 (76 FR 
31790). AMS met with representatives of major seed industry stakeholder 
organizations in February 2019 to discuss possible revisions to make 
the regulations more reflective of current industry practices and 
updated testing methods. Based on stakeholder input, the Seed 
Regulatory and Testing Division of AMS's Science and Technology Program 
initiated this action to update the regulations.
    AMS published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on January 
27, 2020 (85 FR 4603), describing proposed revisions and updates to the 
regulations. The proposed rule provided a 60-day public comment period 
ending March 27, 2020. Seven comments were submitted. After considering 
the comments, AMS revised some of the proposals based on those 
comments. The comments and AMS's responses are discussed in detail in 
the Comments section later in this document.
    This final rule updates the lists of seed kinds which are covered 
by the regulations and revises the names of several agricultural and 
vegetable seeds to provide updated scientific nomenclature. This rule 
further adds or revises the definitions of other terms used in the 
regulations to provide greater clarity for regulated entities. Other 
revisions in this rule update the seed labeling, testing, and 
certification requirements to reflect revised terminology, as well as 
the evolution of industry practices. Finally, this rule makes several 
revisions of an administrative nature to correct misspellings and other 
errors in the regulations. Specific revisions are described below.

Revisions

Nomenclature

    The regulations specify the kinds of agricultural and vegetable 
seed that are subject to regulation. This rule revises the list of 
agricultural seed covered by the regulation in Sec.  201.2(h) by adding 
camelina, radish, and teff to the list. The revisions add radish to the 
list of seed kinds for which the variety is required on the label in 
Sec.  201.10(a); add camelina, radish, and teff to the list of seed 
kinds for which sample weights are specified in Table 1 to Sec.  
201.46(d)(2)(iii); add camelina, radish, and teff to the list of seed 
kinds for which germination requirements are specified in Table 2 to 
Sec.  201.58(c)(3); add teff to the list of seed kinds for which purity 
percentage tolerances are increased in Sec.  201.60(a)(1); and add 
camelina, chickpea, hemp, radish, and sunn hemp to the list of seed 
kinds for which standards related to certification are specified in 
Table 5 to Sec.  201.76.
    To assure clear market communication about seeds, the regulations 
use the Latin scientific names assigned to plants in the International 
Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants \1\ and recognized 
throughout the world. Occasionally, the International Union of 
Biological Science's International Commission for the Nomenclature of 
Cultivated Plants revises those scientific names. This rule further 
revises Sec.  201.2(h) by updating the scientific names for 15 
agricultural seed kinds already on the list (big bluestem, mountain 
brome, buffalograss, crambe, galletagrass, guineagrass, forage kochia, 
browntop millet, pearl millet, napiergrass, green needlegrass, green 
panicgrass, bird rape, turnip rape, and smilo), and by adding another 
common name for sunn crotalaria, one of the kinds already on the list. 
The rule also updates the scientific name for tomato, which is on

[[Page 40572]]

the list of vegetable seed kinds in Sec.  201.2(i). Such changes align 
regulatory language with current terminology and nomenclature 
recognized in the industry.
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    \1\ The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants 
(ICNCP or Cultivated Plant Code), published by the International 
Society for Horticultural Science. The ICNCP was most recently 
updated in 2016.
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    Other sections of the regulations reference scientific names, as 
well. This final rule updates those references by revising the 
scientific names for quackgrass in Sec.  201.17(a); buffalograss, 
sunflower, small-seeded legumes, carrot, and mint in Sec.  201.47a; 
legumes and crucifers in 201.48(a); sunflower, carrot, and mint in 
201.48(f); buffalograss in 201.48(g)(1); legumes in 201.51(a)(1); 
quackgrass in 201.51(b)(2)(iv) and (v); sunflower in 201.51(b)(4), and 
carrot in 201.56(d).

Other Terminology

    Section 201.2 defines other terms used in the regulations. This 
rule updates some terms to reflect changes in industry and AMS needs 
and processes. This rule revises the term for ``person'' in Sec.  
201.2(b) to include individuals and agents to clarify that such 
entities are also subject to the regulations. A revision to Sec.  
201.2(l)(1) clarifies that each person must keep required records 
regarding seed treatment, including, but not limited to, records about 
seed coating, film coating, encrusting, or pelleting. This rule makes 
corresponding revisions to references to ``treatment'' in Sec.  
201.4(b). Revisions to Sec.  201.2(p) clarify that seed mixtures 
consist of more than one kind or variety of seed, each present in 
excess of 5 percent by weight of the whole, and that combinations of 
more than one variety of a single kind of seed may be referred to as 
``blends.'' A revision to the definition of ``coated seed'' in Sec.  
201.2(q) clarifies that coated seed is any seed covered with a coating 
material, while new Sec.  201.2(nn) defines ``coating material'' to 
mean any substance that changes the size, shape, or weight of the 
original seed, and clarifies that ingredients such as rhizobia, dyes, 
polymers, biologicals, and pesticides are not considered coating 
materials. A revision to the term ``purity'' in Sec.  201.2(w) removes 
the reference to ``crop seed.'' A revision to Sec.  201.2(x) revises 
the definition of ``inoculant'' to mean a product consisting of 
microorganisms applied to the seed for the purpose of enhancing the 
availability or uptake of plant nutrients through the root system. Such 
a change aligns FSA regulations with the current Environmental 
Protection Agency definition of a plant inoculant,\2\ which is 
recognized and used by the industry.
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    \2\ See 40 CFR 152.6(g)(2)--EPA's definition of plant inoculant.
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    Finally, this rule adds a new paragraph (oo) to Sec.  201.2 to 
define the term ``brand,'' which means a name, term, sign, symbol, or 
design, or a combination of them that identifies seed as the product of 
a seller or group of sellers and distinguishes that seed from the seed 
of other sellers. The term's definition will clarify its use in Sec.  
201.36b(e).

Records

    The FSA regulations require seed shippers to maintain records and 
samples for each lot of agricultural and vegetable seed shipped in 
interstate commerce. Sections 201.4 through 201.7a specify the 
recordkeeping requirements related to seed origin, germination testing, 
purity testing, and treatment. This rule revises Sec.  201.4 to clarify 
that complete records about seed treatments include records about 
treatments such as coating, film coating, encrusting, and pelleting 
treatments.

Labeling

    The FSA requires each container of agricultural and vegetable seed 
shipped in interstate commerce to be labeled with specific information. 
For agricultural seed, the label must include, among other things, the 
name of each kind of seed comprising more than 5 percent of the 
contents, and for certain kinds of seed, the labels must show the 
variety(ies). Prior to this rule, Sec.  201.12a of the regulations 
required mixtures of lawn and turf seed to be labeled as mixtures and 
required the name and percentage of each seed component to be listed on 
the label in the order of predominance. This rule revises Sec.  201.12a 
by removing the reference to turf and lawn seed mixtures, requiring all 
mixtures of agricultural seed for seeding or planting purposes to be 
designated mixtures on the label, and requiring the label to list each 
seed component on the label in order of predominance. This rule adds a 
similar requirement for labeling vegetable seed mixtures by adding a 
new Sec.  201.26a--Vegetable Seed Mixtures, which requires labels for 
mixtures of vegetable seeds to list each seed component in order of 
predominance. This change reflects the current market practice of 
packaging vegetable seed mixtures, which has not previously been 
addressed in the regulations.
    The regulations prohibit the interstate shipment of agricultural 
seeds containing seeds or bulblets of certain noxious weeds identified 
in Sec.  201.16(b). This rule revises the list of prohibited noxious 
weed seed in Sec.  201.16(b) by updating the scientific names of 
several species to reflect the current names recognized in the market. 
Where the shipment of noxious-weed seed is not prohibited under Sec.  
201.16(b), the rate of occurrence in agricultural seed cannot exceed 
the rate permitted by each State into which the seed is shipped or 
reshipped, and the label must include the rate of occurrence according 
to each State's requirements. See 7 CFR 201.16(a). This rule adds a new 
Sec.  201.30c that provides similar restrictions for shipments of 
noxious-weed seed in vegetable seed in containers weighing more than 
one pound. This addition supports State laws regarding noxious-weed 
seed in vegetable seed.
    Prior to this rule, Sec.  201.18 specified that when agricultural 
seeds other than the predominant kind, variety, or type named on the 
label are included, they could be collectively identified as ``crop 
seeds'' or ``other crop seeds'' by percentage. A change to Sec.  201.18 
removes the reference to ``crop seeds'' to reduce confusion about what 
is in the seed. Another labeling change removes the reference to 
coating material in Sec.  201.19--Inert matter, since coating material 
is excluded by definition in another provision.
    Under Sec.  201.21, seed labels are required to show the percentage 
of hard seed--seed with an impermeable seed coat that doesn't absorb 
water and germinate--apart from the agricultural seed germination 
percentage. A change to Sec.  201.21 requires labels to also show the 
percentage of dormant seed--seed other than hard seed that fails to 
germinate under specified conditions--apart from the germination 
percentage. This change is necessary to reflect the emerging industry 
practice of labeling dormant seed as such and providing the percentage 
of dormant seed on the label.
    A change to the heading and introductory paragraph of Sec.  201.31 
clarifies that the germination standards for vegetable seeds in 
interstate commerce are minimum standards.
    Prior to this rule, the regulations required seed labels to include 
the full name and address of the shipper or consignee, or to show a 
code that identifies the shipper. Revisions to Sec. Sec.  201.23, 
201.24, 201.27, and 201.28 require the labels of both agricultural and 
vegetable seed to show the full name and address of the interstate 
shipper or show both a code identifying the interstate shipper and the 
full name and address of the consignee. Sections 201.23 and 201.27 are 
further revised to define the terms ``shipper'' and ``consignee'' as 
they pertain to labeling. AMS intends these changes to reduce

[[Page 40573]]

industry confusion about the labeling requirements.
    Section 201.31a requires seed labels to include the name or 
description of any treatment applied to the seed. Paragraph (b) of that 
section specifies the names that can be used to identify substances 
used in seed treatments. This rule revises Sec.  201.31a(b) to clarify 
that active ingredient substances used in seed treatments must be 
included in the label, and that biological active ingredients should be 
identified by their brand names or genus and species names.

Seed Testing

    The regulations specify testing requirements for seed shipped in 
interstate commerce. Seed testing methodology continues to evolve as 
new equipment and processes are developed. In addition to the revisions 
described earlier in this document, this rule makes the following 
revisions to the testing regulations in 7 CFR part 201 to ensure the 
requirements reflect methods and procedures that have been adopted in 
the industry and by AMS.
    The rule revises the introductory text of Sec.  201.48 to clarify 
that pure seed includes all seeds of each kind that are present in 
excess of 5 percent by weight of the whole. Revisions to Sec.  
201.48(g)(3) remove references to chewings fescue, red fescue, and 
orchardgrass from the list of species for which special purity testing 
procedures are provided in Sec.  201.51a(b). Corresponding revisions to 
the Table of Factors to Apply to Multiple Units in Sec.  
201.51a(b)(2)(ii) reflect the revisions to Sec.  201.48(g)(3). A 
revision to Sec.  201.51a(a) adds more precise instructions relating to 
the Uniform Blowing Procedure used to separate pure seed and inert 
matter for seed testing, and the revision better aligns the regulation 
with AOSA standards. A revision to Sec.  201.58(a) clarifies that if 
the date for a final count for germination testing falls on a weekend 
or public holiday, the count can be taken on the following workday. A 
revision to Sec.  201.60(b)(2) corrects a reference to tolerance 
determinations for ``crop seeds'' to refer to tolerance determinations 
for ``other crop seeds.'' A revision to Sec.  201.61 revises the title 
of the table in that section to be ``Fluorescence Tolerance, Based on 
Test Fluorescence (TFL)'' to clarify that the ryegrass fluorescence 
tolerances shown for 400-seed fluorescence tests are based on the test 
fluorescence level (TFL) calculated under Sec.  201.58a.
    This rule clarifies Sec.  201.64--Pure live seed by clarifying that 
dormant seed is considered in the calculation and by adding a 
mathematical formula to show how the tolerance for pure live seed is 
calculated.

Certification

    The regulations require seed certifying agencies to meet specified 
qualification standards and comply with procedures outlined in the 
regulations. One such procedure provided in Sec.  201.68 requires 
certifying agencies to obtain specific information from certification 
applicants. This rule revises the introductory text of Sec.  201.68 to 
clarify that point, as the regulations have been confusing, making it 
unclear that certifying agencies must request the specified 
information. A further revision to Sec.  201.68(b) requires entities 
applying for certification to supply information about the breeding or 
reproductive stabilization procedures used to develop the variety. This 
change is necessary to recognize that breeders use different processes 
to develop new plant varieties.
    A revision to Sec.  201.70(a) permits recertification of seed 
beyond the standard two generations past the Foundation seed generation 
only when neither Foundation nor Registered class seed are being 
maintained. Previously, the regulations allowed recertification of 
Certified class seed when no Foundation seed is being maintained, even 
if Registered seed was being maintained. This revision prohibits 
recertification of Certified class seeds when Registered class seed is 
being maintained. Adding this restriction precludes recertification of 
Certified class seed when seed of a higher certification class is 
available. AMS intends such a restriction to prevent recertification of 
the class of seed most likely to have changed over time when more 
stable alternatives are available. Revisions to Sec. Sec.  201.74 and 
201.75 remove the caveat that certified seed labeling requires the 
variety name only if the seed has been certified as to variety. This 
change removes contradictory or confusing language from the 
regulations, since all certification is varietal.
    Section 201.76 of the regulations establishes production standards 
for Foundation, Registered, and Certified classes of various crop 
seeds. As well as adding the five new crop kinds mentioned earlier in 
the Terminology section, this rule adds four explanatory footnotes to 
the chart of production standards in Sec.  201.76. New footnote 60 
explains that land on which certain seed is grown for certification 
must not have been planted in cruciferous crops during the previous 
five years, or for the previous three years if the previous crop was of 
the same variety and of the same or higher certification class. New 
footnote 61 explains that fields producing any class of certified seed 
must be at least 50 feet from any other variety or from fields of the 
same variety that do not meet the varietal purity requirements for 
certification. New footnote 62 pertains to the production of sunn hemp 
and explains that no other varieties of Crotolaria species are allowed 
in Foundation, Registered, and/or Certified seed production fields. New 
footnote 63 explains that producers of certified seed of any class for 
that crop should refer to the requirements established by certifying 
agencies in the production States for applicable production standards. 
AMS added these footnotes to explain specific standards for the new 
crops that were added to the Table in Sec.  201.76 (camelina, chickpea, 
hemp, radish, and sunn hemp), but most are generic in nature and could 
apply to other crops in the future, as well.
    Section 201.78 provides additional certification requirements 
related to pollen control for hybrids of certain crops. Paragraph (e) 
in Sec.  201.78 specifies the determination of the pollen production 
index (PPI) for hybrid alfalfa. Paragraph (e) in Sec.  201.78 provides 
maximum PPI for various hybrids of Foundation and Certified class seed. 
This rule revises Sec.  201.78(e) to provide greater specificity about 
maximum PPI allowances for hybrid alfalfa that would depend on the 
production method, parentage, and generation of hybrid seed being 
analyzed. The industry requested this revision in response to a change 
in production practices for hybrid alfalfa seed. AMS expects this 
revision to recognize the breadth of hybridization methods currently 
used by different plant breeders.

Administrative Changes

    AMS made several revisions of an administrative nature to the 
regulations to correct typographical errors and update addresses and 
other references to reflect current business practices or provide 
clarity. A revision to Sec.  201.2(a) replaces the reference to ``the 
FSA'' with the words ``the Federal Seed Act'' to clarify the meaning of 
the term ``Act'' used throughout the regulations. References to the 
``Act'' replace references to the ``act'' throughout the regulations, 
and minor misspellings have been corrected in several sections. A 
revision to Sec.  201.51a(a)(3) updates the address for obtaining 
calibration samples and instructions from the Seed Regulatory and 
Testing Division to its current address in Gastonia, North Carolina. A 
revision to the entries for ``Oat'' and ``Brussels Sprouts'' in Table

[[Page 40574]]

2 to paragraph (c)(3) in Sec.  201.58 moves the additional germination 
directions for fresh and dormant seed into the correct table column. 
Finally, AMS revised the headings for Parts 201 and 202 to remove an 
undesignated center heading in Part 201 that is no longer needed. These 
changes replace references to the terms ``Rules'' or ``Regulations'' 
with terms that comply with Code of Federal Regulations nomenclature 
conventions.

Comments

    AMS received seven comments on the proposed rule. One comment from 
an individual supports the proposed updates to scientific nomenclature 
and to the standards relating to seed quality. The commenter wrote that 
the proposed changes are likely to help buyers obtain quality seed. 
Four comments from individuals expressed neither support nor opposition 
to the proposed rule, but addressed topics unrelated to this 
rulemaking. For example, comments advocated the production and use of 
home-grown and patient-grown Aloe vera products in veterans' hospitals 
and the reduction of tariffs and restrictions on seed trade so people 
everywhere could have access to vital seeds. Accordingly, AMS is making 
no changes to the rule as proposed based on these comments.
    Two comments were submitted by seed trade industry associations. 
Both comments support the proposals generally. One commenter expressed 
support for the proposed changes in sections not directly dealing with 
seed certification, saying that the sections dealing with shipping, 
labeling, and seed testing are closely related and important to seed 
certification activities. Both commenters suggested revisions to 
certain proposals. One commenter noted generally that AMS's proposals 
seemed intended to align the requirements for vegetable seed more 
closely with those for agricultural seed and that in some cases, that 
wouldn't be appropriate. Both commenters' specific concerns are 
summarized and addressed below.
    Comment: Section 201.2(q) of the regulations defines coated seed as 
seed coated with any substance that changes the seed's size, shape, or 
weight, excluding certain specified coating material ingredients. AMS 
proposed to add polymers and biologicals to the list of excluded 
coating materials ingredients. One comment agreed with the addition of 
polymers and biologicals to the list, but suggested further revising 
the proposed language by specifying that coated seed is any seed coated 
with coating material and adding a second definition for coating 
material. The commenter suggested that coating material be defined as 
any substance intended to change the seed's size, shape, or weight, 
excluding certain specified ingredients, including polymers and 
biologicals, thus retaining the proposed language, but including it in 
a separate definition. The commenter pointed out that coating material 
is referenced in several other provisions of the regulations. Thus, 
defining the term would help clarify those provisions.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that because coating material is 
referenced elsewhere in the regulation and is not currently defined, it 
makes sense to split the proposed definition of coated seed into two 
definitions for greater clarity. Accordingly, AMS is revising the 
proposed language for Sec.  201.2(q)--Coated Seed and adding a new 
Sec.  201.2(nn)--Coating Material, based on the comment. AMS does not 
agree with the commenter's proposal that material only be considered 
coating material if it is intended to change a seed's size, shape, or 
weight. Regardless of intent, if a substance changes the size, shape, 
or weight of the original seed and is not one of the excluded 
materials, it is considered coating material.
    Comment: Section 201.2(w) of the regulations requires the inclusion 
of the names and percentages of other materials in the seed, such as 
crop seed and inert matter, when describing the purity of seed. AMS 
proposed revising Sec.  201.2(w) by removing the reference to crop seed 
and by specifying that inert matter includes coating material, if any 
is present. A commenter agreed with removing the reference to crop 
seed, as it is redundant to agricultural seed, which is specified in 
the regulation. The commenter opposed adding the specification that 
inert matter includes coating material, if any is present, because 
inert matter is already defined as including coating material if any is 
present in Sec.  201.51(c)(3).
    AMS further proposed to revise the current definition of inert 
matter in Sec.  201.19 to specify that inert matter includes coating 
material, if any is present. The commenter also opposed this proposed 
revision, again citing Sec.  201.51(c)(3), and saying that the addition 
of this language would create unintended negative consequences for the 
industry, but not explaining what those would be.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that it is not necessary to include the 
phrase ``and coating material, if any is present,'' which was proposed 
as a clarification to the definitions of purity and inert matter. As 
described in Sec.  201.51(c)(3), coating material that has been washed 
from seed but is still present is considered inert material. Any 
coating material adhering to the seed after it is washed during the 
testing process is considered part of the seed. Accordingly, AMS is 
revising the proposed language for Sec.  201.2(w) by removing the 
reference to ``coating material, if any is present'' when determining 
the percentage of inert matter, and by making no changes to the current 
language of Sec.  201.19, based on comments.
    Comment: AMS proposed to add the term acceptable to Sec. Sec.  
201.6--Germination and 201.7--Purity to clarify for regulated entities 
the kinds of tests related to seed germination and purity for which 
records must be kept. AMS proposed also to add a new definition--
Acceptable test--to the regulations to mean testing according to 
methods provided in the FSA regulations or according to the rules of 
the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA). Finally, AMS proposed 
to replace the reference to ``analyses, tests, and examinations'' with 
a reference to ``acceptable tests'' in Sec.  201.2(l)(1), which defines 
the term Complete record. One comment opposed adding the definition for 
Acceptable test, as well as adding the term acceptable to recordkeeping 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  201.6 and 201.7, saying that AOSA rules 
don't allow the use of tetrazolium (TZ) testing, which is important to 
the reclamation seed business. According to the commenter, the U.S. 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the industry's largest single 
purchaser of native seed, and BLM uses TZ tests to verify purchases of 
native seed before the seed is distributed for reclamation projects.
    AMS response: The current regulations do not specify which testing 
rules can be followed to determine seed germination and purity. AMS's 
proposal was intended to standardize testing by naming two conventions 
that would be considered acceptable, but realizes the proposal would 
not provide adequate flexibility to the industry. Accordingly, based on 
the comments, AMS is not adding a new definition for Acceptable test, 
as proposed, and is not adding the term acceptable test to the language 
in Sec. Sec.  201.6 and 201.7, based on the comment. To conform with 
these revisions to the proposed language, AMS removed the proposed 
reference to acceptable test in Sec.  201.2(l)(1), even though the 
commenter did not address that reference in the comment.
    Comment: The term brand appears in various provisions of the 
regulations, but it is not defined. AMS proposed to define brand to 
mean word(s), name, symbol, number, mark, design, unique

[[Page 40575]]

design, or any combination of those which distinguishes the seed of one 
entity from the seed of another. One commenter supported addition of 
the new definition, but opposed the phrase ``distinguishes the seed of 
one entity from the seed of another.'' The commenter wrote that 
incorporating the word ``entity'' in the definition might be too 
confusing. The commenter recommended rewording the proposed definition 
of brand to mean word(s), name, symbol, number, mark, design, unique 
design, or any combination of those which identifies the product.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that a brand should identify a seed 
product, but also believes a brand should distinguish between sellers. 
To address the commenter's concern about use of the word ``entity,'' 
AMS referenced the definition of brand used by the American Marketing 
Association (AMA). AMA's definition is similar to what was originally 
proposed by AMS and provides for both identification of seed as 
requested by the commenter and differentiation of seed of different 
sellers. Accordingly, in response to the comment, AMS revised the 
proposed definition of brand to mean a name, term, sign, symbol, 
design, or any combination of them intended to identify the seed of one 
seller or group of sellers and to differentiate that seed from the seed 
of other sellers.
    Comment: AMS proposed to add radish to the list of agricultural 
seeds that must be labeled as to variety under Sec.  201.10(a). One 
commenter supported the proposal and recommended that chicory, 
collards, and kale also be added because they, too, are included in 
seed mixtures used as cover crops.
    AMS response: AMS understands that chicory, collards, and kale may 
be included in cover crop seed mixtures. However, revising the proposed 
regulations to add those crops would require further notice and 
opportunity to comment. AMS may make such a proposal in the future. At 
this time, AMS is making no changes to the proposed rule based on the 
comment.
    Comment: Section 201.8 of the regulations specify, among other 
things, that the required information on the seed label can be in any 
form that is clearly legible and may be on a tag securely attached to 
the container or printed in a conspicuous manner on the side or top of 
the container. The label may also contain information in addition to 
that required by the Act, provided such information is not misleading. 
One commenter suggested that Sec.  201.8 be revised to provide that 
label information could be conveyed through a machine-readable optical 
label (Quick Response or QR code) affixed to the container. The 
commenter asserted that the technology is widely used in other 
industries and readily available.
    AMS response: AMS acknowledges that many products now include QR 
codes on labels to provide consumers with additional product 
information. However, we do not believe the technology is widely enough 
available to trust that all consumers will have access to the required 
label information. As provided in the regulation, seed labelers may 
include QR codes to convey additional product information, but the 
required label information must still be printed and attached to the 
seed container as specified in the regulation. Accordingly, AMS made no 
changes to the regulation based on the comment.
    Comment: Currently, the regulations require seed labels to include 
the full name and address of either the shipper or the consignee (the 
entity buying or receiving the shipment). If the shipper's full name 
and address are not provided, the label must show an AMS-approved code 
that identifies the shipper, and the consignee's full name and address 
must also appear on the label. AMS proposed to revise Sec. Sec.  
201.23, 201.24, 201.27, and 201.28 to clarify the labeling requirements 
for both agricultural and vegetable seed. AMS proposed to clarify that 
labeling requirements pertain to interstate shipments and that if the 
shipper is identified only by a code, the consignee's full information 
must appear on the label. The proposals were intended to reduce 
industry confusion about the labeling requirements. One commenter 
requested that AMS revise the proposed language by replacing the word 
``shipper'' with ``consignor,'' and by clarifying that label 
requirements are for the seed package. The commenter further requested 
that consignee information not be required because it would be 
impossible to know the final destination of every seed package.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that revisions to Sec. Sec.  201.23, 
201.24, 201.27, and 201.28 should alleviate confusion about the label 
requirements. AMS agrees also that the regulations should specify that 
labeling requirements pertain to consumer packages or containers of 
seed. AMS believes the commenter is confused about the use of the term 
consignee in the regulation. Accordingly, AMS revised the proposed 
language to better clarify labeling requirements for agricultural and 
vegetable seed, based on the comment. The revisions clarify that labels 
for containers or packages of seed must contain the shipper's full name 
and address or an AMS designated code to identify the shipper. Further, 
if a code--rather than the full name and address--is used to identify 
the shipper, the label must include the consignee's full name and 
address. Finally, the revised provisions include definitions of the 
terms shipper and consignee as used in those sections to clarify their 
meaning.
    Comment: AMS proposed to revise Sec.  201.29 to clarify that the 
germination of vegetable seed in containers of one pound or less should 
be expressed as a percentage on the label. AMS further proposed to 
revise Sec. Sec.  201.29, 201.29a, 201.30, and 201.63 to provide that 
seed labels should show the amounts of dormant seed in containers of 
seed as separate from the germination percentage. AMS also proposed a 
revision to Sec.  201.31 that would clarify that minimum germination 
standards for vegetable seeds in interstate commerce would be construed 
to include hard seed and dormant seed. Currently, only the amount of 
hard seed is shown on labels, and the germination standards for 
vegetable seed in interstate commerce are construed to include hard 
seed. One comment agreed with the clarification about expressing 
germination by percentage, but opposed the requirement to account for 
dormant seed. According to the commenter, vegetable seeds are sold by 
count rather than weight, which should be considered when determining 
container percentages. The commenter explained further that AOSA rules 
do not include testing procedures for dormant seed, making compliance 
with the requirement burdensome for the industry.
    AMS response: Label information about the germination and amount of 
hard seed is expressed as percentages on the label, regardless of the 
way seed is sold. Accordingly, AMS is making no change to the proposed 
addition of the word ``percentage'' to the language in Sec.  201.29 
based on the comment. Further, AMS recognizes that compliance with the 
proposed requirement to account for dormant seed could be burdensome 
for some segments of the seed industry, because not all testing 
conventions require testing for dormant seed. Accordingly, AMS changed 
the language as proposed by removing the requirement to show the amount 
of dormant seed on labels in Sec. Sec.  201.29, 201.29a, and 201.30, 
and by removing the proposed reference to dormant seed in Sec.  201.63, 
based on the comment. Finally, AMS removed the proposed reference to 
dormant seed in the revised language for Sec.  201.31 to conform with 
other revisions, even though the commenter did not address that section 
in the comment.

[[Page 40576]]

    Comment: AMS proposed to revise Sec.  201.31a(b) to clarify that 
the name of any active ingredient substance used to treat seed must be 
included on the label. AMS further proposed to include examples of 
genus and species names for brand-named biologicals that might be used 
to identify active ingredient substances on labels. One commenter 
agreed with the clarification that the names of active ingredient 
substances must be included on labels, but opposed listing specific 
examples because products constantly evolve, and the proposed examples 
would be out of date in a short time.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that the listed examples are likely to be 
obsolete in a short time. Accordingly, we revised the proposed language 
for Sec.  201.31a(b) by removing the genus and species name examples.
    Comment: AMS proposed to revise Sec.  201.68 to clarify that when 
the developer or owner of a variety requests certification of that 
variety, the certifying agency must request certain information, 
including a statement concerning the variety's origin and the breeding 
technique or reproductive stabilization procedures used in its 
development. Two commenters supported the proposal in general, but 
opposed requiring the developer to state what breeding technique was 
used. One of those commenters explained that when the industry met with 
AMS in early 2019 as described earlier in this document, the subject 
was discussed in light of situations where new varieties were selected 
from among natural mutations rather than intentionally developed. Both 
commenters agreed that requiring variety developers to reveal breeding 
techniques would negatively impact plant breeding innovations. One 
commenter asserted further that removing the word ``technique'' from 
the proposed language would not have a negative impact on the review 
process.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that requiring developers to reveal 
breeding techniques could negatively impact plant breeding and 
innovation. Accordingly, we removed the word ``technique'' from the 
proposed language for Sec.  201.68, based on the comment.
    Comment: AMS proposed a revision to Sec.  201.70(a) that would 
permit recertification of seed beyond the standard two generations past 
the Foundation seed generation only when neither Foundation nor 
Registered class seed is being maintained. One commenter wrote that 
this section of the regulations is especially important in cases where 
supplies of parent seed are insufficient to meet demand. The commenter 
added that the proposed changes add clarity and expressed support for 
the proposal.
    AMS response: AMS agrees that this proposal gives the industry 
added ability to produce desired seed varieties in case of higher 
demand or emergency. Accordingly, AMS made no changes to the proposal 
based on the comment.
    Comment: Section 201.76 of the regulations establishes production 
standards for Foundation, Registered, and Certified classes of various 
crop seeds. As well as adding the five new crop kinds mentioned earlier 
in the Terminology section, AMS proposed to add four explanatory 
footnotes to the chart of production standards in Sec.  201.76. One 
comment supported the addition of the footnotes.
    AMS response: Each of the newly added crops requires unique growing 
conditions. The footnotes provide specific standards for the 
production, protection, and quality maintenance for certified classes 
of crop seed. Accordingly, AMS made no changes to the proposal based on 
the comment.
    Comment: AMS proposed to revise Sec.  201.78(e) to provide greater 
specificity about maximum pollen production index (PPI) allowances for 
hybrid alfalfa that would depend on the production method, parentage, 
and generation of hybrid seed being analyzed. One comment supported the 
proposed revision.
    AMS response: AMS's proposal reflects evolving trends in hybrid 
alfalfa production for certification. Accordingly, AMS made no changes 
to the proposal based on the comment.

Rulemaking Analyses

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771

    AMS is issuing this final rule in conformance with Executive Orders 
12866 and 13563, which direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits 
of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulations are necessary, 
to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including 
potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, 
distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the 
importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, 
harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility.
    In the development of this rule, AMS considered alternatives, 
including updating only the list of regulated seed varieties or making 
no changes at all. Ultimately, AMS rejected those alternatives because 
many references and processes in the regulations were obsolete and did 
not reflect modern business and industry practices. AMS believes making 
these revisions best serve the industry by aligning seed species 
references with internationally recognized scientific names, clarifying 
processes to simplify regulatory compliance, and improving AMS's 
customer service. AMS does not expect this rule to provide any 
environmental, public health, or safety benefits.
    This rule does not meet the criteria of a significant regulatory 
action under Executive Order 12866 as supplemented by Executive Order 
13563. Therefore, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not 
reviewed this rule under those Orders. Because this rule does not meet 
the criteria of a significant regulatory action, it does not trigger 
the requirements in Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum titled 
``Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of 
January 30, 2017, titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs''' (February 2, 2017).
    AMS does not expect the revisions to impact compliance costs for 
the private sector because the industry has already adopted the 
practices reflected by the regulatory changes in order to comply with 
State laws. AMS expects seed industry stakeholders to benefit from the 
references to updated scientific nomenclature, which provides a common 
language for marketing seed. Likewise, AMS expects updating the 
labeling, testing, and certification requirements to simplify 
compliance and facilitate the interstate marketing of seed. AMS also 
expects stakeholders to benefit from streamlined AMS business 
practices.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), AMS has considered the economic 
impact of this action on small business entities. The affected industry 
falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 
as code 54171--Research and development in the physical, engineering, 
and life sciences. This classification includes firms that are not 
plant breeders/plant research; however, no detailed industry data was 
available for the analysis.
    Table 1 shows the most recent descriptive data for the industry, 
obtained from the County Business Pattern 2016 survey. This data set 
provides information on the number of establishments, number of 
employees and total annual payroll.

[[Page 40577]]



Table 1--Number of Establishments, Revenue and Payroll by Employee Count, NAICS Code 54171, 2016 County Business
                                                  Patterns \3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Number of       Number of paid     Annual payroll
                                                            establishments      employees           ($1,000)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All establishments.......................................          17,292            695,810        $82,865,611
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) determines firm size for 
this industry by number of employees, but on a per firm basis, with 
small firms defined as having fewer than 1,000 employees and 1,000 or 
more employees per firm classified as large. Because firms may own more 
than one establishment, and the County Business Patterns data are 
compiled on an establishment rather than a firm basis, we must use the 
Economic Census data to determine the number of small and large firms 
for the industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Geography Area Series: County Business Patterns by 
Employment Size Class, 2016 Business Patterns, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=BP_2016_00A3&prodType=table.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 2 shows the most recent data available on the breakdown 
between small (<1,000 employees) and large (1,000 or more employees) 
firms in this industry, according to SBA's guidance.\4\ The data are 
from the 2002 Economic Census, with monetary values converted to 2016 
dollars. More recent Economic Census data is not available at this 
level of detail for this industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ ``Table of Small Business Size Standards Matched to North 
American Industry Classification System Codes'', Small Business 
Administration, effective January 1, 2017, https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf.

   Table 2--Number of Firms and Establishments, Revenue and Payroll by Employee Count, NAICS Code 54171, 2002
                                               Economic Census \5\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Size of firm by number of      Number of       Number of     Number of paid      Revenue *    Annual payroll *
          employees                firms      establishments      employees        ($1,000)         ($1,000)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small--Firms with fewer than          10,200          11,753           273,601     $49,702,793       $24,780,487
 1,000 employees............
Large--Firms with 1,000                   79           1,380           283,816      30,095,258        27,776,903
 employees or more..........
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    All firms...............          10,279          13,133           557,417      79,798,051        52,557,389
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Adjusted to 2016 values.

    The 2002 Economic Census reported that fewer than one percent of 
firms were considered large (79 of 10,279 firms, or 0.54 percent). The 
10,279 firms at that time owned a total of 13,133 establishments, with 
1,380 (nearly 11 percent) of these facilities owned by the 79 large 
firms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: Subject 
Series--Establishment and Firm Size: Employment Size of Firms for 
the United States: 2002 Economic Census of the United States, 
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2002_US_54SSSZ5&prodType=table.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The tables show the extent of growth in the industry over time. The 
number of establishments has grown from 13,133 in 2002 to 17,292 in 
2016 (32 percent, or 2.3 percent per year). Total employment increased 
from 557,417 workers to 695,810 (25 percent, or 1.8 percent per year), 
and total annual payroll from $52,557,389 to $82,865,611 (58 percent or 
4 percent per year). These figures indicate that the industry has seen 
small to moderate growth, with a more highly paid work force over time. 
There do not appear to be significant changes in the structure of the 
industry between 2002 and 2016. AMS expects that the size distribution 
of the firms affected by these revisions is consistent with data 
reported in the 2002 Economic Census. Therefore, affected firms would 
mostly be considered small business entities under the criteria 
established by SBA (13 CFR 121.201).
    As a result of meeting with representatives of major seed industry 
stakeholder organizations in February 2019, AMS is updating regulations 
to reflect current industry standards and practices and to remove 
obsolete references. The revisions to the existing FSA regulations do 
the following:
    1. Update the lists of seed kinds which are covered by the 
regulations and revise the names of several agricultural and vegetable 
seeds to provide updated scientific nomenclature;
    2. Revise the definitions of other terms used in the regulations to 
provide greater clarity for regulated entities;
    3. Update the seed labeling, testing, and certification 
requirements to reflect revised terminology and industry practices; and
    4. Correct misspellings and other errors in the regulations.
    Most of the revisions listed above (1, 2, and 4) are changes in the 
regulations that would not impact costs to the private sector. The 
third revision listed above is expected to lower the costs of seed 
testing for three grass species. The revisions will eliminate the 
requirement to segregate certain components of seed in purity testing 
for those three species. This will reduce the number of component 
separations for those species from five to four. Cost savings are 
difficult to estimate. Information on the exact costs of the tests was 
difficult to obtain because of the variability in seed testing fees by 
third-party labs. Costs for these tests are generally based on hourly 
laboratory charges and can range between $10 and $50 per test. Without 
data on the breakdown of cost for each of the separations performed in 
the test, it is assumed testing costs for the three affected crops 
could fall by 20 percent as a result of the proposed revisions.
    The revisions ease the requirement to follow test procedures 
according to the Federal Seed Act before engaging in interstate 
commerce by allowing the use of seed testing methods from Association 
of Official Seed Analysts Rules used by most seed testing laboratories 
in the U.S. These revisions also expand the time requirement of the 
current regulation by allowing testing to be completed only on 
laboratory workdays, which effectively acknowledges the existence of 
weekends and holidays, eliminating the need for staff to work or 
reschedule completion dates.

[[Page 40578]]

    The burden of labeling radishes is also expected to fall, as it was 
not previously considered agricultural seed under the Federal Seed Act. 
Radishes were previously considered only as a vegetable crop and had to 
be labeled by variety. Inclusion of radishes as agricultural seed under 
the Act will allow the industry to exclude varieties in labeling 
agricultural radish seed.
    This rule reduces the trade burden associated with interstate seed 
commerce and encourages compliance with State and Federal laws. AMS has 
determined that this action would not have a significant negative 
economic impact on a substantial number of these small business 
entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), the information requirements under the regulations have 
been approved previously by OMB and assigned OMB No. 0581-0026. No 
changes are necessary in those requirements as a result of this action. 
Reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information 
requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. 
Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to OMB for 
approval.

Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this rule 
as not a major rule as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

E-Government Act

    USDA is committed to complying with the E-Government Act (44 U.S.C. 
3601, et seq.) by promoting the use of the internet and other 
information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen 
access to Government information and services, and for other purposes.

Executive Order 13175

    This action has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements 
of Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments. The review reveals that this regulation would not 
have substantial and direct impacts on Tribal governments or 
significant Tribal implications.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. There 
are no administrative procedures that must be exhausted prior to 
judicial challenge to the provisions of this final rule.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 201

    Certified seed, Definitions, Inspections, Labeling, Purity 
analysis, Sampling.

7 CFR Part 202

    Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, 
Imports, Labeling, Seeds, Vegetables.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 201 and 202 
are amended as follows:

PART 201--FEDERAL SEED ACT REQUIREMENTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 201 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 1592.


0
2. In part 201, revise the heading to read as set forth above.

0
3. Remove the undesignated center heading ``RULES AND REGULATIONS OF 
THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE''.


Sec.  201.2   [Amended]

0
4. Amend Sec.  201.2 by:
0
a. In paragraph (a), removing the word ``FSA'' and adding in its place 
the words ``Federal Seed Act'';
0
b. In paragraph (b), removing the words ``a partnership'' and adding in 
their place the words ``an individual partnership'' and removing the 
words ``or trustee'' and adding in their place the words ``trustee, or 
agent'';
0
c. In paragraph (h):
0
i. Removing the terms ``Bluestem, big--Andropogon gerardii Vitman'', 
``Brome, mountain--Bromus marginatus Steud.'', ``Buffalograss--Buchloe 
dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.'', ``Crambe--Crambe abyssinica R.E. Fr.'', 
``Crotalaria, sunn--Crotalaria juncea L.'', ``Galletagrass--Hilaria 
jamesii (Torr.) Benth.'', ``Guineagrass--Panicum maximum Jacq. var. 
maximum'', ``Kochia, forage--Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad.'', ``Millet, 
browntop--Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf'', ``Millet, pearl--Pennisetum 
glaucum (L.) R. Br.'', ``Napiergrass--Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.'', 
``Needlegrass, green--Stipa viridula Trin.'', ``Panicgrass, green--
Panicum maximum Jacq.'', ``Rape, bird--Brassica rapa L. subsp. 
campestris (L.) A.R. Clapham'', ``Rape, turnip--Brassica rapa L. subsp. 
campestris (L.)'', and ``Smilo--Piptatherum miliaceum (L.) Coss'';
0
ii. Adding in alphabetical order the terms ``Bluestem, big--Andropogon 
gerardi Vitman'', ``Brome, mountain--Bromus carinatus var. marginatus 
(Steud.) Barworth & Anderton'', ``Buffalograss--Bouteloua dactyloides 
(Nutt.) Columbus'', ``Camelina--Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz subsp. 
sativa'', ``Crambe--Crambe hispanica L. subsp. abyssinica'', 
``Crotalaria, sunn or sunn hemp--Crotalaria juncea L.'', 
``Galletagrass--Pleuraphis jamesii Torr.'', ``Guineagrass--Megathyrsus 
maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs'', ``Kochia, forage--Bassia 
prostrata (L.) A.J. Scott'', ``Millet, browntop--Urochloa ramose (L.) 
T.Q. Nguyen'', ``Millet, pearl--Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone'', 
``Napiergrass--Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach,) Morrone'', ``Needlegrass, 
green--Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth'', ``Panicgrass, green--
Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs'', ``Radish--
Raphanus sativus L.'', ``Rape, bird--Brassica rapa L. subsp. 
oleifera'', ``Rape, turnip--Brassica rapa L. Subsp. oleifera'', 
``Smilo--Oloptum miliaceum (L.) R[ouml]ser & Hamasha'', and ``Teff--
Eragrostis tef (Zuccangi) Trotter'';
0
d. In paragraph (i), removing the term ``Tomato--Lycopersicon 
esculentum Mill.'' and adding in its place the term ``Tomato--Solanum 
lycopersicum L.'';
0
e. In paragraph (j), removing the word ``act'' and replacing it with 
the word ``Act'';
0
f. In paragraph (l)(1) in the first sentence after each use of the word 
``treatment'' adding the words ``(including but not limited to coating, 
film coating, encrusting, or pelleting)'';
0
g. In the second sentence of paragraph (l)(1), removing the word 
``treatment'' and adding in its place the words ``chemical or 
biological treatment''.
0
h. Revising paragraphs (p) and (q);
0
i. In paragraph (w), removing the words ``or crop seed'';
0
j. In paragraph (x), removing the words ``commercial preparation 
containing nitrogen fixing bacteria applied to seed'' and adding in 
their place the words ``product consisting of microorganisms applied to 
the seed for the purpose of enhancing the availability or uptake of 
plant nutrients through the root system'';
0
k. In paragraph (z), removing the word ``act'' and adding in its place 
the word ``Act'';
0
l. In paragraph (mm), removing the word ``detasselling'' and adding in 
its place the word ``detasseling''; and
0
m. Adding paragraphs (nn) and (oo).

    The revision and additions read as follows:
* * * * *
    (h) * * *:


[[Page 40579]]


Bluestem, big--Andropogon gerardi Vitman
* * * * *
Brome, mountain--Bromus carinatus var. marginatus (Steud.) Barworth & 
Anderton
* * * * *
Buffalograss--Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) Columbus
* * * * *
Camelina--Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz subsp. sativa
* * * * *
Crambe--Crambe hispanica L. subsp. Abyssinica
* * * * *
Crotalaria, sunn or sunn hemp--Crotalaria juncea L.
* * * * *
Galletagrass--Pleuraphis jamesii Torr.
* * * * *
Guineagrass--Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B. K. Simon & S. W. L. Jacobs
* * * * *
Kochia, forage--Bassia prostrata (L.) A. J. Scott
* * * * *
Millet, browntop--Urochloa ramosa (L.) T. Q. Nguyen
* * * * *
Millet, pearl--Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone
* * * * *
Napiergrass--Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone
Needlegrass, green--Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth
* * * * *
Panicgrass, green--Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B. K. Simon & W. L. 
Jacobs
* * * * *
Radish--Raphanus sativus L.
* * * * *
Rape, bird--Brassica rapa L. subsp. oleifera
Rape, turnip--Brassica rapa L. subsp. oleifera
* * * * *
Smilo--Oloptum miliaceum (L.) R[ouml]ser & Hamasha
* * * * *
Teff--Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter
* * * * *
    (p) Mixture. The term ``mixture'' means seeds consisting of more 
than one kind or variety, each present in excess of 5 percent by weight 
of the whole. A mixture of varieties of a single kind may be labeled as 
a blend.
    (q) Coated seed. The term ``coated seed'' means any seed unit 
covered with a coating material.
* * * * *
    (nn) Coating material. The term ``coating material'' means any 
substance that changes the size, shape, or weight of the original seed. 
Ingredients such as rhizobia, dyes, polymers, biologicals, and 
pesticides are not coating material for purposes of this part.
    (oo) Brand. The term ``brand'' means a name, term, sign, symbol, or 
design, or a combination of them that identifies the seed of one seller 
or group of sellers and differentiates that seed from the seed of other 
sellers.

0
5. Revise Sec.  201.3 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.3   Administrator.

    The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service may perform 
such duties as the Secretary requires in enforcing the provisions of 
the Act and of the regulations in this part.


Sec.  201.4   [Amended]

0
6. Amend Sec.  201.4 by:
0
a. In paragraph (a), removing the word ``act'' and adding in its place 
the word ``Act''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b) after the word ``treatment'' wherever it appears 
adding the words ``(including, but not limited to, coating, film 
coating, encrusting, or pelleting)'' and removing the word ``act'' and 
adding in its place the word ``Act''.


Sec.  201.7   [Amended]

0
7. Amend Sec.  201.7 by removing in the first sentence the words 
``analyses, tests, and examinations'' and adding in their place the 
word ``tests,''.


Sec.  201.8   [Amended]

0
8. Amend Sec.  201.8 by removing in the last sentence the word ``act'' 
and adding in its place the word ``Act''.


Sec.  201.10   [Amended]

0
9. In Sec.  201.10 amend paragraph (a) by adding the word ``Radish;'' 
after the word ``Peanut;''.

0
10. Revise Sec.  201.12a to read as follows:


Sec.  201.12a   Seed mixtures.

    Seed mixtures intended for seeding/planting purposes shall be 
designated as a mixture on the label and each seed component shall be 
listed on the label in the order of predominance.

0
11. Amend Sec.  201.16 by:
0
a. In paragraph (a) in the first sentence removing the word ``state'' 
and adding in its place the word ``State'';
0
b. In paragraph (b):
0
i. Removing the terms ``Emex australis Steinh.'', ``Emex spinosa (L.) 
Campd.'', ``Leptochola chinensis (L.) Nees'', ``Pennisetum clandestinum 
Chiov.'', ``Pennisetum macrourum Trin.'', ``Pennisetum pedicellatum 
Trin.'', ``Pennisetum polystachion (L.) Schult.'', and ``Rubus 
fruticosus L. (complex)''; and
0
ii. Adding in alphabetical order the terms ``Cenchrus caudatus 
(Schrad.) Kuntze'', ``Cenchrus clandestinus Morrone'', ``Cenchrus 
pedicellatus (Trin.) Morrone'', ``Cenchrus polystachios (L.) Morrone'', 
``Dinebra chinensis (L.)P. M. Peterson & N. Snow'', ``Rubus plicatus 
Weihe & Nees'', ``Rumex hypogaeus T.M. Schust & Reveal'', and ``Rumex 
spinosus L.''.

    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  201.16  Noxious-weeds seeds

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

Cenchrus caudatus (Schrad.) Kuntze
Cenchrus clandestinus Morrone
Cenchrus pedicellatus (Trin.) Morrone
Cenchrus polystachios (L.) Morrone
* * * * *
Dinebra chinensis (L.) P. M. Peterson & N. Snow
* * * * *
Rubus plicatus Weihe & Nees
Rumex hypogaeus T.M. Schust & Reveal
Rumex spinosus L.
* * * * *


Sec.  201.17   [Amended]

0
12. Amend Sec.  201.17 by removing the words ``Quackgrass (Elytrigia 
repens)'' and adding in their place the words ``Quackgrass (Elymus 
repens)''.

0
13. Revise Sec.  201.18 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.18   Other agricultural seeds.

    Agricultural seeds other than those included in the percentage or 
percentages of kind, variety, or type may be expressed as ``other crop 
seeds,'' but the percentage shall include collectively all kinds, 
varieties, or types not named upon the label.

0
14. Revise Sec.  201.20 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.20   Germination

    The label shall show the percentage of germination for each kind, 
kind and variety, kind and type, or kind and hybrid of agricultural 
seed comprising more than 5 percent of the whole. The label shall show 
the percentage of germination for each kind, kind and variety, kind and 
type, or kind and hybrid of agricultural seed comprising 5 percent of 
the whole or less if the seed is identified individually on the label.

0
15. Revise Sec.  201.21 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.21   Hard seed or dormant seed.

    The label shall show the percentage of hard seed or dormant seed, 
as defined in Sec.  201.57 or Sec.  201.57a, if any is present. The 
percentages of hard seed and dormant seed shall not be included as part 
of the germination percentage.

[[Page 40580]]


0
16. Revise Sec.  201.23 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.23   Seller and buyer information.

    Consumer packages or containers of agricultural seed for interstate 
shipment must be labeled as follows:
    (a) The full name and address of the interstate shipper or a code 
designation identifying the interstate shipper, pursuant to Sec.  
201.24, must be printed on the label.
    (b) If pursuant to paragraph (a) only a code is used to identify 
the interstate shipper, the full name and address of the consignee must 
appear on the label.
    (c) For purposes of this section and Sec.  201.24, the term shipper 
means the seller or consignor who puts the seed into interstate 
commerce, and the term consignee means the buyer or recipient of the 
seed shipment.

0
17. Revise Sec.  201.24 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.24   Code designation.

    The code designation used in lieu of the full name and address of 
the interstate shipper pursuant to Sec.  201.23(a) shall be approved by 
the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) or such 
other person designated by the Administrator for the purpose. When 
used, the AMS code designation shall appear on the label in a clear and 
legible manner, along with the full name and address of the consignee.


Sec.  201.25   [Amended]

0
18. Amend Sec.  201.25 by removing in the third sentence the word 
``act'' and adding in its place the word ``Act''.

0
19. Add Sec.  201.26a to read as follows:


Sec.  201.26a   Vegetable seed mixtures.

    Vegetable seed mixtures for seeding/planting purposes shall be 
designated as a mixture on the label, and each seed component shall be 
listed on the label in the order of predominance.

0
20. Revise Sec.  201.27 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.27   Seller and buyer information.

    Consumer packages or containers of vegetable seed for interstate 
shipment must be labeled as follows:
    (a) The full name and address of the interstate shipper or a code 
designation identifying the interstate shipper, pursuant to Sec.  
201.28, must be printed on the label.
    (b) If pursuant to paragraph (a) only a code is used to identify 
the interstate shipper, the full name and address of the consignee must 
appear on the label.
    (c) For purposes of this section and Sec.  201.28, the term shipper 
means the seller or consignor who puts the seed into interstate 
commerce, and the term consignee means the buyer or recipient of the 
seed shipment.

0
21. Revise Sec.  201.28 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.28   Code designation.

    The code designation used in lieu of the full name and address of 
the interstate shipper pursuant to Sec.  201.27(a) shall be approved by 
the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) or such 
other person designated by the Administrator for the purpose. When 
used, the AMS code designation shall appear on the label in a clear and 
legible manner, along with the full name and address of the consignee.

0
22. Revise Sec.  201.29 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.29   Germination of vegetable seed in containers of 1 pound 
or less.

    Vegetable seeds in containers of 1 pound or less which have a 
germination percentage equal to or better than the standard set forth 
in Sec.  201.31 need not be labeled to show the percentage of 
germination and date of test. Each variety of vegetable seed which has 
a germination percentage less than the standard set forth in Sec.  
201.31 shall have the words ``Below Standard'' clearly shown in a 
conspicuous place on the label or on the face of the container in type 
no smaller than 8 points. Each variety which germinates less than the 
standard shall also be labeled to show the percentage of germination 
and the percentage of hard seed (if any).

0
23. Add Sec.  201.30c to read as follows:


Sec.  201.30c   Noxious-weed seeds of vegetable seed in containers of 
more than 1 pound.

    Except for those kinds of noxious-weed seeds shown in Sec.  
201.16(b), the names of kinds of noxious-weed seeds and the rate of 
occurrence of each shall be expressed in the label in accordance with, 
and the rate shall not exceed the rate permitted by, the law and 
regulations of the State into which the seed is offered for 
transportation or is transported. If in the course of such 
transportation, or thereafter, the seed is diverted to another State of 
destination, the person or persons responsible for such diversion shall 
cause the seed to be relabeled with respect to noxious-weed seed 
content, if necessary, to conform to the laws and regulations of the 
State into which the seed is diverted.

0
24. Amend Sec.  201.31 by revising the heading and the introductory 
paragraph to read as follows:


Sec.  201.31   Minimum germination standards for vegetable seeds in 
interstate commerce.

    The following minimum germination standards for vegetable seeds in 
interstate commerce, which shall be construed to include hard seed, are 
determined and established under section 403(c) of the Act:
* * * * *

0
25. Amend Sec.  201.31a by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  201.31a   Labeling treated seed.

* * * * *
    (b) Name of substance or active ingredient. The name of any active 
ingredient substance as required by paragraph (a) of this section shall 
be the commonly accepted coined, chemical (generic), or abbreviated 
chemical name. The label shall include either the name of the genus and 
species or the brand name as identified on biological product labels. 
Commonly accepted coined names are free for general use by the public, 
are not private trademarks, and are commonly recognized as names of 
particular substances, such as thiram, captan, lindane, and dichlone. 
Examples of commonly accepted chemical (generic) names are blue-stone, 
calcium carbonate, cuprous oxide, zinc hydroxide, hexachlorobenzene, 
and ethyl mercury acetate. The terms ``mercury'' or ``mercurial'' may 
be used in labeling all types of mercurials. Examples of commonly 
accepted abbreviated chemical names are BHC (1,2,3,4,5,6-
Hexachlorocyclohexane) and DDT (dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane).
* * * * *


Sec.  201.33   [Amended]

0
26. In Sec.  201.33 amend paragraphs (a) and (b) by removing wherever 
it appears the word ``act'' and adding in its place the word ``Act''.


Sec.  201.36b   [Amended]

0
27. In Sec.  201.36b, amend paragraph (a) by removing wherever it 
appears the word ``act'' and adding in its place the word ``Act''.


Sec.  201.37   [Amended]

0
28. Amend Sec.  201.37 by removing wherever it appears the word ``act'' 
and adding in its place the word ``Act''.


Sec.  201.38   [Removed and Reserved]

0
29. Remove and reserve Sec.  201.38.


Sec.  201.39   [Amended]

0
30. In Sec.  201.39, amend paragraph (c) by removing the word 
``proble'' in and adding in its place the word ``probe''.

0
31. Amend Sec.  201.46 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (b); and
0
b. Adding in Table 1 to paragraph (d)(2)(iii) entries for ``Camelina'', 
``Radish'', and ``Teff'' in the ``Agricultural Seed'' section in 
alphabetical order.

[[Page 40581]]

    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  201.46   Weight of working sample.

* * * * *
    (b) Mixtures consisting of one predominant kind of seed or groups 
of kinds of similar size. The weights of the purity and noxious-weed 
seed working samples in this category shall be determined by the kind 
or group of kinds which comprise more than 50 percent of the sample.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) * * *

                                        Table 1 to Paragraph (d)(2)(iii)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Minimum weight
                                                                  Minimum weight   for  noxious-    Approximate
                          Name of seed                              for purity       weed seed    number of seed
                                                                     analysis       examination      per gram
                                                                      (grams)         (grams)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Seed:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Camelina........................................................               4              40             880
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Radish..........................................................              30             300              75
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Teff............................................................               1              10           3,288
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  201.47a   [Amended]

0
32. Amend Sec.  201.47a by:
0
a. in paragraph (b)(6) removing the words ``Buchloe dactyloides'' and 
adding in their place the words ``Bouteloua dactyloides'';
0
b. In paragraph (c) removing the word ``Compositae'' and adding in its 
place the word ``Asteraceae'';
0
c. In paragraph (d) removing the word ``Legumionsae'' and adding in its 
place the word ``Fabaceae'';
0
d. In paragraph (e) removing the word ``Umbelliferae'' and adding in 
its place the word ``Apiaceae''; and
0
e. In paragraph (f) removing the word ``Labiatae'' and adding in its 
place the word ``Lamiaceae''.

0
33. Amend Sec.  201.48 by revising the first sentence of the 
introductory text and paragraphs (a), (f), and (g)(1) and (3) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  201.48   Kind or variety considered pure seed.

    The pure seed shall include all seeds of each kind or each kind and 
variety under consideration present in excess of 5 percent by weight of 
the whole. * * *
    (a) Immature or shriveled seeds and seeds that are cracked or 
injured. For seeds of legumes (Fabaceae) and crucifers (Brassicaceae) 
with the seed coats entirely removed refer to Sec.  201.51(a)(1);
* * * * *
    (f) Intact fruits, whether or not they contain seed, of species 
belonging to the following families: Sunflower (Asteraceae), buckwheat 
(Polygonaceae), carrot (Apiaceae), valerian (Valerianaceae), mint 
(Laminaceae) and other families in which the seed unit may be a dry, 
indehiscent one-seeded fruit. For visibly empty fruits, refer to inert 
matter, Sec.  201.51(a)(6);
    (g) * * *
    (1) Intact burs of buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) shall be 
considered pure seed whether or not a caryopsis is present. Refer to 
Sec.  201.51(a)(6) for burs which are visibly empty.
* * * * *
    (3) Special purity procedures for smooth brome, fairway crested 
wheatgrass, standard crested wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, 
pubescent wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass are 
listed in Sec.  201.51a(b).
* * * * *


Sec.  201.51   [Amended]

0
34. Amend Sec.  201.51 by:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1) removing the words ``Leguminosae'', 
``crucifers'', and ``Cruciferae'', and adding in their places the words 
``Fabaceae'', ``brassica'', and Brassicaceae'', respectively;
0
b. In paragraph (b)(2)(iv) removing the word ``Agropyron'' and adding 
in its place the word ``Elymus'';
0
c. In paragraph (b)(2)(v) removing the words ``A. repens'' and adding 
in their place the words ``E. repens''; and
0
d. In paragraph (b)(4) removing the word ``Compositae'' and adding in 
its place the word ``Asteraceae''.

0
35. Amend Sec.  201.51a by revising paragraph (a) and the table in 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  201.51a   Special procedures for purity analysis.

    (a) The laboratory analyst shall use the Uniform Blowing Procedure 
described in this paragraph to separate pure seed and inert matter in 
the following: Kentucky bluegrass, Canada bluegrass, rough bluegrass, 
Pensacola variety of bahiagrass, orchardgrass, blue grama, and side-
oats grama.
    (1) Separation of mixtures. Separate seed kinds listed in this 
section from other kinds in mixtures before using the Uniform Blowing 
Procedure.
    (2) Calibration samples. Obtain calibration samples and 
instructions, which are available on loan through the Seed Regulatory 
and Testing Division, S&T, AMS, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, 
Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.
    (3) Blowing point. Use the calibration samples to establish a 
blowing point prior to proceeding with the separation of pure seed and 
inert matter for these kinds.
    (i) Refer to the specifications on the calibration samples for 
Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and Pensacola variety of bahiagrass 
to determine their appropriate blowing points for the Uniform Blowing 
Procedure.
    (ii) Use the calibration sample for Kentucky bluegrass to determine 
the blowing points for Canada bluegrass, rough bluegrass, blue grama, 
and side-oats grama.

[[Page 40582]]

    (A) The blowing point for Canada bluegrass shall be the same as the 
blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass.
    (B) The blowing point for rough bluegrass shall be a factor of 0.82 
(82 percent) of the blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass. 
The 0.82 factor is restricted to the General-type seed blower.
    (C) The blowing point for blue grama shall be a factor of 1.157 of 
the blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass. Before blowing, 
extraneous material that will interfere with the blowing process shall 
be removed. The sample to be blown shall be divided into four 
approximately equal parts and each blown separately. The 1.157 factor 
is restricted to the General-type seed blower.
    (D) The blowing point for side-oats grama shall be a factor of 
1.480 of the blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass. Before 
blowing, extraneous material that will interfere with the blowing 
process shall be removed. The sample to be blown shall be divided into 
four approximately equal parts and each part blown separately. The 
1.480 factor is restricted to the General-type seed blower.
    (4) Blower calibration. Calibrate and test the blower according to 
the instructions that accompany the calibration samples before using 
the blower to analyze the seed sample. Use the anemometer to set the 
blower gate opening according to the calibration sample specifications.
    (i) Determine the blowing point using a calibrated anemometer.
    (ii) Position the anemometer fan precisely over the blower opening, 
set it at meters per second (m/s), run the blower at the calibrated 
gate setting, and wait 30 seconds before reading the anemometer.
    (iii) Use this anemometer reading to determine the blower gate 
setting whenever the Uniform Blowing Procedure is required.
    (5) Pure seed and inert matter. Use the calibrated blower to 
separate the seed sample into light and heavy portions. After 
completing the initial separation, remove and separate all weed and 
other crop seeds from the light portion. The remainder of the light 
portion shall be considered inert matter. Remove all weed and other 
crop seeds and other inert matter (stems, leaves, dirt) from the heavy 
portion and add them to the weed seed, other crop seed, or inert matter 
separations, as appropriate. The remainder of the heavy portion shall 
be considered pure seed.
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *

                                                     Table of Factors To Apply to Multiple Units \a\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Crested wheat-     Pubescent     Intermediate     Tall wheat-   Western wheat-
          Percent of single units of each kind               grass \b\      wheat-grass     wheat-grass      grass \c\       grass \c\     Smooth brome
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 or below.............................................              70              66              72  ..............  ..............              72
50.01-55.00.............................................              72              67              74  ..............  ..............              74
55.01-60.00.............................................              73              67              75  ..............  ..............              75
60.01-65.00.............................................              74              67              76  ..............  ..............              76
65.01-70.00.............................................              75              68              77  ..............              60              78
70.01-75.00.............................................              76              68              78  ..............              66              79
75.01-80.00.............................................              77              69              79              50              67              81
80.01-85.00.............................................              78              69              80              55              68              82
85.01-90.00.............................................              79              69              81              65              70              83
90.01-100.00............................................              79              70              82              70              74              85
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ The factors represent the percentages of the multiple unit weights which are considered pure seed. The remaining percentage is regarded as inert
  matter.
\b\ Includes both standard crested wheatgrass and fairway crested wheatgrass.
\c\ Dashes in table indicate that no factors are available at the levels shown.

Sec.  201.56   [Amended]

0
36. In Sec.  201.56, amend paragraph (d) by removing the word 
``Umbelliferae'' and adding in its place the word ``Apiaceae.''

0
37. Amend Sec.  201.58 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(13);
0
b. Adding in Table 2 to paragraph (c)(3) entries for '' Camelina'', 
``Radish'', and ``Teff'' in the ``Agricultural Seed'' section in 
alphabetical order;
0
c. Revising in Table 2 to paragraph (c)(3) the entry for ``Oat'' in the 
``Agricultural Seed'' section; and
0
d. Revising in Table 2 to paragraph (c)(3) the entry for ``Brussels 
Sprouts'' in the ``Vegetable Seed'' section.

    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  201.58   Substrata, temperature, duration of test, and certain 
other specific directions for testing for germination and hard seed.

* * * * *
    (a) Definitions and explanations applicable to table 2--(1) 
Duration of tests. The following deviations are permitted from the 
specified duration of tests: Any test may be terminated prior to the 
number of days listed under ``Final count'' if the maximum germination 
of the sample has then been determined. The number of days stated for 
the first count is approximate and a deviation of 1 to 3 days is 
permitted. If at the time of the prescribed test period the seedlings 
are not sufficiently developed for positive evaluation, it is possible 
to extend the time of the test period two additional days. If the 
prescribed test period or the allowed extension falls on a weekend or 
public holiday, the test may be extended to the next working day. 
(Also, see paragraph (a)(5) of this section and Sec.  201.57.)
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (13) Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canscens); preparation of seed for 
test. De-wing seeds and soak for 2 hours in 3 liters of water, after 
which rinse with approximately 3 liters of distilled water. Remove 
excess water, air dry for 7 days at room temperature, then test for 
germination as indicated in Table 2.
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *

[[Page 40583]]



                                                               Table 2 to Paragraph (c)(3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        Additional directions
                                                              Temperature     First count     Final count  ---------------------------------------------
            Name of seed                   Substrata           ([deg]C)          days            days                                Fresh and dormant
                                                                                                            Specific requirements           seed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Seed:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Camelina...........................  TB...................              20               4               7
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Oat................................  B, T, S..............          20; 15               5              10    Prechill at 5 or 10 [deg]C for 5 days and
                                                                                                              test for 7 days or predry and test for 10
                                                                                                                                days.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Radish.............................  B, T.................              20               4               6
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Teff...............................  TB...................          20--30               4               7  KNO3.................
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Vegetable Seed:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Brussels Sprouts...................  B, P, T..............          20--30               3              10     Prechill 5 days at 5 or 10 [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                                        days; KNO3 and Light.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *


Sec.  201.59   [Amended]

0
38. Amend Sec.  209.59 by removing wherever it appears the word ``act'' 
and adding in its place the word ``Act''.


Sec.  201.60  [Amended]

0
39. Amend Sec.  201.60 by:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1) adding in the second sentence the word ``teff,'' 
after the words ``sweet vernalgrass,'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(2) removing in the first sentence the word ``act'' 
and adding in its place the word ``Act''; and
0
c. In paragraph (b)(2) adding in the first sentence the word ``other'' 
before the words ``crop seeds''.

0
40. Amend Sec.  201.61 by revising the table heading to read as 
follows:


Sec.  201.61   Fluorescence percentages in ryegrasses.

    * * *
Fluorescence Tolerance, Based on Test Fluorescence (TFL)
* * * * *

0
41. Revise Sec.  201.64 to read as follows:


Sec.  201.64   Pure live seed.

    The tolerance for pure live seed shall be determined by applying 
the respective tolerances to the germination plus the hard seed and 
dormant seed, and the pure seed.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07JY20.002


0
42. Amend Sec.  201.68 by revising the introductory text and paragraph 
(b) to read as follows:


Sec.  201.68   Eligibility requirements for certification of varieties.

    When a seed originator, developer, owner of the variety, or agent 
thereof requests eligibility for certification, the certification 
agency shall require the person to provide the following information 
upon request:
* * * * *
    (b) A statement concerning the variety's origin and the breeding or 
reproductive stabilization procedures used in its development.
* * * * *

0
43. Amend Sec.  201.70 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  201.70   Limitations of generations for certified seed.

* * * * *
    (a) Recertification of the Certified class may be permitted when no 
Foundation or Registered seed is being maintained; or
* * * * *


Sec.  201.74   [Amended]

0
44. Amend Sec.  201.74 by removing in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) the 
words ``(if certified as to variety)''.


Sec.  201.75   [Amended]

0
45. Amend Sec.  201.75 by removing in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) 
wherever it appears the words ``(if certified as to variety)''.

0
46. In Sec.  201.76 amend Table 5 by adding in alphabetical order 
entries for ``Camelina'', ``Chickpea'', ``Hemp'', ``Radish'', ``Sunn 
hemp'' and footnotes ``60'' through ``63'' to read as follows:


Sec.  201.76   Minimum Land, Isolation, Field, and Seed Standards.

* * * * *

[[Page 40584]]



                                                                Table 5 to Sec.   201.76
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Foundation                             Registered                             Certified
                Crop                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Land    Isolation     Field    Seed    Land    Isolation     Field    Seed    Land    Isolation    Field    Seed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Camelina............................   \8\ 1      \61\ 50     5,000     0.1   \8\ 1      \61\ 50     2,000     0.2   \8\ 1      \61\ 50    1,000     0.3
                                                    (\59\                                  (\59\                                  (\59\
                                                  15.24m)                                15.24m)                                15.24m)
Chickpea............................   \7\ 1       \23\ 0    10,000     0.1   \7\ 1       \23\ 0     2,000     0.2   \7\ 1       \23\ 0    1,000     0.2
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Hemp................................    \63\         \63\      \63\    \63\    \63\         \63\      \63\    \63\    \63\         \63\     \63\    \63\
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Radish..............................  \60\ 5  1,320 (\59\         0    0.05  \60\ 5  1,320 (\59\     1,000     0.1  \60\ 5    660 (\59\      500    0.25
                                                 402.34m)                               402.34m)                               201.17m)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Sunn hemp...........................   \7\ 1  1,320 (\59\      \62\     0.1   \7\ 1    660 (\59\      \62\    0.25   \7\ 1    330 (\59\     \62\     0.5
                                                 402.34m)     5,000                     201.17m)     1,000                     100.58m)      500
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\60\ Land must not have grown or been seeded to any cruciferous crops during the previous 5 years. This interval may be reduced to 3 years, if following
  the same variety and the same or higher certification class.
\61\ Field producing any class of certified seed must be at least 50 feet from any other variety or fields of the same variety that do not meet the
  varietal purity requirement for certification.
\62\ No other Crotalaria species allowed in Foundation, Registered and/or Certified production fields.
\63\ Refer to the certifying agency in the production State(s) for certification standards.


0
47. Amend Sec.  201.78 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  201.78   Pollen control for hybrids.

* * * * *
    (e) Hybrid alfalfa. When at least 75 percent of the plants are in 
bloom and there is no more than 15 percent seed set, 200 plants shall 
be examined to determine the pollen production index (PPI). Each plant 
is rated as 1, 2, 3 or 4 with ``1'' representing no pollen, ``2'' 
representing a trace of pollen, ``3'' representing substantially less 
than normal pollen, and ``4'' representing normal pollen. The rating is 
weighted as 0, 0.1, 0.6 or 1.0, respectively. The total number of 
plants of each rating is multiplied by the weighted rating and the 
values are totaled. The total is divided by the number of plants rated 
and multiplied by 100 to determine the PPI. For hybrid production using 
separate male and female rows, the maximum PPI allowed for 95 percent 
hybrid seed is 14 for the Foundation class, and 6 for the F1 hybrid. 
For hybrid production using comingled parent lines, the maximum PPI 
allowed for 75 percent hybrid Certified class seed is 25, with an 
allowance for blending to reach a PPI of 25 for fields with a PPI above 
25, but no greater than 30.

PART 202--FEDERAL SEED ACT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

0
48. The authority citation for part 202 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 302, 305, 402, 408, 409, 413, 414, 53 Stat. 1275, as 
amended; 7 U.S.C. 1582, 1585, 1592, 1598, 1599, 1603, and 1604.


0
49. In part 202, the heading is revised to read as set forth above.

Subpart C--Provisions Applicable to Other Proceedings

0
50. In subpart C, revise the heading to read as set forth above.

Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12920 Filed 7-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P