Seed sampling
Official sampling of seed commodities is provided by the Commodity Inspection Program to accomplish the following:
- Meet the demands of importing countries that require testing for Phytosanitary Certificates and various other export requirements
- Provide unbiased representative samples for testing seed quality and condition
- Provide authorized seed samples to grant endophyte tags, sod quality tags, and International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) orange tags
The official sample can be delivered to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) laboratory, the Oregon State University (OSU) laboratory, or certain private seed laboratories; or returned to the customer.
Sample request
To request sampling, submit a seed sampling request form with the following information:
- Company name for billing purposes
- Seed location (e.g. warehouse, shipping facility, etc.)
- Lot identification
- Total number of pounds/kilograms
- Number of containers
- Sample delivery location
- Country or state of seed origin
- Type of tests requested
In the Willamette Valley, samples are pulled within one working day of the request.
Preparing seed lot for sampling
- Each container/bag must be identified with lot numbers.
- Containers/bags must be no more than eight feet high (two high) and readily available for sampling without posing risks to the sampler.
Sampling tips
- Notify the warehouse and make sure seed is available and accessible before requesting sampling services.
- Fax sample requests before 9:00 am for same day service in the Willamette Valley.
- Have a person available at the warehouse to assist the sampler.
- Check lot numbers, weights, and container counts before requesting sampling.
A minimum charge will be assessed if a sampler is unable to sample due to a lot not being accessible or prepared for sampling.
Resources