(1) Seed certification in Washington state is conducted under the authority of chapter 15.49 RCW. The department conducts seed certification in cooperation with the Washington state crop improvement association (WSCIA), Washington State University (WSU) and the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).

(2) The Washington state crop improvement association is designated to assist the department in the certification of certain agricultural seeds. A memorandum of understanding between the department and the Washington state crop improvement association designates the Washington state crop improvement association to act as the director's duly authorized agent for the purpose of certifying seed of buckwheat, chickpeas, field peas, lentils, millet, soybeans, small grain, sorghum and forest trees, including conditioning plant inspections for these crops.

(3) The department's seed program certifies seed other than buckwheat, chickpeas, field peas, lentils, millet, quinoa, soybeans, small grain, sorghum and forest trees.

(4) The department's seed program is a vested member of Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA). The purposes of the AOSCA are:

(a) To establish minimum standards for genetic purity and identity for the classes of Certified seed. Also, to establish minimum seed quality standards to be applied by seed certifying agencies requiring mechanical standards.

(b) To standardize seed certification regulations and procedures, and operational procedures in interagency seed certification.

(c) To periodically review agency genetic standards and procedures to assure conformity with federal seed laws.

(d) To cooperate with the state and federal departments of agriculture by suggesting new areas of research to improve seed sampling and testing techniques for seed regulatory purposes.

(5) AOSCA maintains standards for the genetic and crop standards which are the requirements (rules, procedures, and standards) developed for certifying seed and other propagating materials. There are published minimum requirements.

(a) No vested member agency may establish standards lower in any respect but may establish higher standards.

(b) The primary purpose of seed certification is to maintain genetic purity and varietal identity.

(c) For agencies choosing to implement mechanical standards, the publication includes AOSCA minimums related to physical quality, minimum germination, and disease restrictions.