(1) The terms used in seed testing and the methods of sampling, inspecting, analyzing, testing and examining seed for certification are those adopted by the AOSA as shown in WAC 16-301-010. Other testing methodologies such as, but not limited to, genetic testing may also be used to determine certification eligibility.

(2) The entire lot of seed must be cleaned, the quantity defined, and in condition for sale at the time of sampling, except for ryegrass, which may be sampled under the early sampling program as allowed in WAC 16-302-091.

(3) The department shall obtain a representative sample for laboratory analysis of each lot of seed for certification. The sample shall be taken in accordance with official sampling procedures. Official sampling procedures are as follows:

Seed in bags.

(a) When more than one core is drawn from a bag, follow different paths. When more than one handful is taken from a bag, take them from well-separated points.

(b) For lots of one to six bags, sample each bag and take a total of at least five cores or handfuls.

(c) For lots of more than six bags, sample five bags plus at least ten percent of the number of bags in the lot. Round numbers with decimals to the nearest whole number. Regardless of the lot size, it is not necessary to sample more than thirty bags.

(4) Bulk seed. To obtain a composite sample, take at least as many cores or handfuls as if the same quantity of seed were in bags of an ordinary size. Take the cores or handfuls from well distributed points throughout the bulk.

(5) Seed in small containers. Seed in small containers shall be sampled by taking the entire unopened container in sufficient number to supply a minimum size sample for testing. The contents of a single container or the combined contents of multiple containers of the same lot shall be considered representative of the entire lot of seed sampled.

(6) A mechanical sampling device installed in a conditioning plant approved by the department under WAC 16-302-125 may be used in lieu of the sampling procedures above. Hand samples taken during the conditioning process may also be used in lieu of the sampling procedures above.

(7) If it is necessary for a sample to be taken by the department, a sampling fee will be charged under provisions of chapter 16-303 WAC.