The certification of seeds for agricultural and vegetable species constitutes an official task. The work that is required is preciously described within the framework of Swiss legislation. The seed certification programme in Switzerland is a regulatory framework that governs and oversees the production of quality seeds within the country.
Three authorities are conducting a series of technical tests in three different laboratories. The field inspections are being carried out to control a variety of parameters. The seed certification authority is also responsible for the provision of permission for operations through audits and check inspections. In addition, it offers obligatory education and training workshops in field inspections, sampling, seed processing and seed labelling. It is hereby guaranteed that Swiss farmers will receive seeds that are authentic, in good health, uncontaminated, and able to germinate.
In addition to this, the research proposal of the NSC provides support for the Swiss seed sector in several other areas, including laboratory tests.