The ASF Code of Practice was launched in August 1999. This is a National Code of Practice for Seed Labelling and Marketing. All members of the ASF are bound to abide by the requirements of the Code of Practice and members can apply for accreditation for use of the Code of Practice logo.

The Code of Practice, after going through its introductory phase will replace parts of the current Seeds Acts in the different states of Australia. Currently each State has its own Seeds Acts, which also covers labelling requirements. Because of the introduction of  "Mutual Recognition" legislation in 1992 which effectively meant seed labelled in one State could then be sold to another State without the need to be relabelled. So industry was encouraged to formulate a National Labelling Policy.

The main features of the Code of Practice are that false or untrue claims cannot be made about varieties information eg trial data must be used in their complete form, or entirely and only part of the information is not allowed to be used. Similarly marketing or advertisements must not infer something that is not correct or is misleading.

A large part of the Code of Practice is to do with labelling of seed. In general every written statement made regarding a parcel of seed by a vendor, constitutes a warranty by the vendor that all particulars contained in the statement are true and correct.

Seed must be labelled in a consistent manner so as to give correct information to the purchaser as to the actual physical purity and germination of that seed lot. All seed labelled under the Code of Practice logo must have current details available for that seed lot, and must be labelled accordingly. A Seed Testing Analysis Certificate must be made available for all seed on request.

The Code of Practice strives to ensure that consumers are provided with consistent and accurate information to enable them to make informed decisions about the suitability of seed for sowing.

The consumers will in time start to see the logo as an indication that they can have confidence in that product. The logo can only be used or applied by ASF members who have passed the necessary accreditation to be licensed to apply the logo to seed bags, labels and documentation. As part of the accreditation process companies must prove that they have quality systems in place to be able to abide by the rules of the Code of Practice, plus also have the necessary systems in place to trace all seed lines and thus be able to label according to the Code of Practice.

We at Stephen Pasture Seeds are very proud to be amongst the first group of six companies in Australia to have passed the accreditation process and you will begin to see the Logo on many of our products from now on. Stephen Pasture Seeds are also amongst the first group of companies to gain accreditation to the newly released Code of Practice for Seed Treatments. For more information on the ASF Code of Practice go to www.asf.asn.au

SPS IS ACCREDITED FOR

Seed Labelling and Marketing

Seed Treatments