ORIGIN OF FARM SEEDS

Shannon News, 17 May 1927, Page 4

ORIGIN OF FARM SEEDS

DISTINGUISHING BY STAIN.

In order that seedsmen and farmers may be in a position to distinguish the country of origin of both red clover and alfalfa (lucerne) seed the United States has recently passed a law requiring the staining Oi all such seed imported into that country. This law, which became effective on May 26, 1926, prohibits the importation into the United States of alfalfa or red clover, or any mixture of seed containing 10 per cent, or more of either or both of these kinds of seeds, unless it is coloured in such a manner and to such an extent as the Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe. Where practicable the colour used will indicate the country of origin. , The law also requires that whenever the Secretary of Agriculture, after a public hearing, determines that seeds of alfalfa or red clover from any for*, eigri country or region are riot ad-_ apted for general agricultural use in the United States, the importation of such seeds or of mixtures of such seeds into the United States will be prohibited unless at least 10 per cent of the seeds in each container are stained a red colour in accordance with regulations to be prescribed. The Secretary of Agriculture may confiscate any seed that is wilfully misbranded within the meaning of the Act.,