Source: http://delcode.delaware.gov/sessionlaws/ga125/chp147.shtml
Timestamp: 2013-12-12 18:48:23
Document Index: 764763633

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1501', '§ 1502', '§ 1503', '§ 1504', '§ 1504', '§ 1504', '§ 1505', '§ 1504', '§ 1504', '§ 1506', '§ 1507', '§ 1504', '§ 1504', '§ 1506', '§ 1508', '§ 1504', '§ 1504', '§ 1504', '§ 1509', '§ 1510', '§ 1511', '§ 1512']

Citizen Participation	CHAPTER 147
Section 1. Chapter 15, Title 3, Delaware Code, is repealed and a new Chapter 15, Title 3, Delaware Code, is substituted therefor as follows:
§ 1501. Title
This Act shall be known as the "Delaware Seed Law of 1969".
§ 1502. Enforcing agency
This Act shall be administered by the State Board of Agriculture of the State of Delaware, hereinafter referred to as the "Board".
§ 1503. Definitions of words and terms when used in this Act
(a) The term "person" includes any individual, partnership, corporation, company, society, or association.
(b) The term "agricultural seed" includes the seeds of grass, forage, cereal, and fiber crops and other kinds of seeds commonly recognized within this State as agricultural seeds, lawn seeds and mixes of such seeds, and may includes noxious weed seeds when the Board determines that such seed is being used as agricultural seed.
(c) The term "vegetable seeds" includes the seeds of those crops which are grown in gardens and on truck farms and are generally known and sold under the name of vegetable seeds in this State.
(d) The term "flower seeds" includes seeds of herbaceous plants grown for their blooms, ornamental foliage, or other ornamental parts, and common known and sold under the name of flower seeds in this State.
(e) The term "tree and shrub seeds" includes seeds of woody plants common known and sold as tree and shrub seeds in this State.
(f) The term "weed seeds" includes the seeds of all plants generally recognized as weeds within this State and includes noxious weed seeds.
(g) Noxious weed seeds are divided into two classes—"Prohibited Noxious Weed Seeds" and "Restricted Noxious Weed Seeds" as defined in (1) and (2) of this subsection:
(1) "Prohibited Noxious Weed Seeds" are the seeds of perennial weeds such as not only reproduce by seed but also spread underground roots, stems, and other reproductive parts, and which when well established, are highly destructive and difficult to control in this State by ordinary good cultural practice. Prohibited noxious weed seeds in this State are the seeds of:
(i) Cirsium arvense, Canada thistle
(ii) Agropyron repens, Quackgrass
(iii) Sorghum specie, Johnson grass, Perennial Sweet Sudan Grass, Sorghum Almum and hybrids derived therefrom and such other seeds or bulblets as the Board from time to time may designate as prohibited noxious seeds in the public interest.
(2) "Restricted Noxious Weed Seeds" are the seeds of such weeds as are very objectionable in fields, lawns, and gardens of this State, but can be controlled by good cultural practices. Restructed noxious weed seeds in this State are the seeds of:
(i) Cuscuta spp., Dodder
(ii) Convolvulus arvensis, Bindweed
(iii) Allium spp., Wild onion, Wild garlic
(iv) Agrostemma githago, Corn Cockle
(v) Solanum Carolinense, Horse nettle
(vi) Bromus secalinus, Cheat or Chess
(vii) Poa Annua, Annual Bluegrass
(viii) Setari faberi, Giant Foxtail.
and such other seeds of bulblets as the Board from time to time may designate as restricted noxious seeds in the public interest.
(h) The term "labeling" includes all labels, and other written, printed, or graphic representations, in any form whatsoever, accompanying or pertaining to any seed whether in bulk or in containers, and includes representations on invoices.
(i) The term "advertisement" means all representations, other than those on the label, disseminated in any manner or by any means, relating to seed within the scope of this Act.
(j) The term "record" includes all information relating to the shipment or shipments involved and includes a file sample of each lot of seed. For tree and shrub seed, the record will also include all documents supporting statement of origin and elevation of said seed.
(k) The term "stop sale" means an administrative order provided by law, restraining the sale, use, disposition, and movement of a definite amount of seed.
(1) The term "seizure" means a legal process carried out by court order against a definite amount of seed.
(m) The term "kind" means one or more related species or sub-species which singly or collectively is known by one common name, for example, corn, oats, alfalfa, and timothy.
(n) The term "variety" means a subdivision of a kind characterized by growth, yield, plant, fruit, seed, or other characteristics, by which it can be differentiated from other plants of the same kind.
() The term "lot" means a definite quantity of seed identified by a lot number or other mark, every portion or bag of which is uniform within recognized tolerances for the factors which appear in the labeling.
(a) The term "hybrid" means the first generation seed of a cross produced by controlling the pollination and by combining (1) two or more inbred lines; (2) one inbred or a single cross with an open pollinated variety; or (3) two varieties or species, except open-pollinated varieties of corn (Zea mays). The second generation or subsequent generations from such crosses shall not be regarded as hybrids. Hybrid designations shall be treated as variety means.
(q) The terms "pure seed", "germination", and other seed labeling and testing terms in common usage shall be defined as in the Rules for Testing Seeds, published by the Association of Official Seed Analysts, effective July 1, 1955, and as subsequently amended.
(r) The term "type" means a group of varieties so nearly similar that the individual varieties cannot be clearly differentiated except under special conditions.
(s) The term "treated" means that the seed has received an application of a substance, or that it has been subjected to a process for which a claim is made.
(t) A "private hearing" may consist of a discussion of facts between the person charged and the enforcement officer.
(u) The term "certifying agency" means (A) an agency authorized under the laws of a State, Territory or Possession to officially certify seed, or (B) an agency of a foreign country determined by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to adhere to procedures and standards for seed certification comparable to those adhered to generally by seed certifying agencies under (A).
(v) The term "certified seed", "registered seed", or "foundation seed" means seed that has been produced and labeled in accordance with the procedures and in compliance with the requirements of an official certifying agency.
(w) The terms "Fine-Textured Grasses" and "Coarse Kinds" are defined in rules and regulations under this Act.
() "Tree seed collector's declaration" is a statement signed by a grower or person having knowledge of the place of collection giving for a lot of seed, the lot number, common or scientific name of the species (and subspecies, if appropriate), origin, elevation, and quantity of tree and shrub seed.
(y) The term "origin" for an indigenous stand of trees is the area on which the trees are growing; for a non-indigenous stand, it is the place from which the seeds as plants were originally introduced.
§ 1504. Label requirements for agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds
Each container of agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds which is sold, offered for sale, or exposed for sale, or transported within this State for sowing purposes shall bear thereon or have attached thereto in a conspicuous place a plainly written or printed label or tag in the English language, giving the following information, which statement shall not be modified or denied in the labeling or on another label attached to the container:
(a) For all agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds treated as defined in this Act (for which a separate label may be used):
(2) The commonly accepted coined, chemical or abbreviated chemical (generic) name of the applied substance or description of the process used.
(3) If the substance in the amount present with the seed is harmful to human or other vertebrate animals, a caution statement such as "Do not use for food, feed, or oil purposes". The caution for mercurials and similarly toxic substances shall be a poison statement or symbol.
(4) If the seed is treated with an inoculant, the date beyond which the inoculant is not to be considered effective (date of expiration).
(b) For agricultural seeds, except for grass seed mixtures as provided in (c):
(1) The name of the kind or kind and variety for each agricultural seed component present in excess of 5 per centum of the whole and the percentage by weight of each in the order of its predominance; Provided, that if the variety of those kinds generally labeled as to variety as designated in the regulations is not stated, the label shall show the name of the kind and the words, "Variety Not Stated". Hybrids shall be labeled as hybrids. Where more than one component is required to be named, the word "mixture" or the word "mixed" shall be shown conspicuously on the label.
(5) The name and rate of occurrence per pound of each kind of restricted noxious weed seed present singly or collectively in any amount whatsoever; provided, however, that the amount does not exceed 160 per pound in Group 1 and 10 per pound in Group 2. Except in lawn or turf seed, Poa Annua shall not exceed 256 per pound.
Group 1: Agropyron spp., Agrostis spp., alfalfa, Bermuda grass, Brassica spp., orchard grass, alsike and white clover, crimson clover, Dallis grass, fescues, flax, foxtail millet, lespedezas, poa spp., red clover, reed canary grass, Rhodes grass, rye-grass, sweet clover, smooth brome, timothy, and other agricultural seeds of similar size and weight, or mixtures within this group.
Group 2: Barley, buckwheat, oats, proso, rye, sorghums, Sudan grass, vetches, wheat and other agricultural seeds of a size and weight similar to or greater than those within this group, or any mixtures within this group.
(6) Percentage by weight of agricultural seed (which may be designated as "crop seeds") other than those required to be named on the label.
(B) Percentage of hard seeds, if present,
Following (A) and (B) the "total germination and hard seed" may be stated as such, if desired.
(c) For seed mixtures for lawn and/or turf purposes in containers of 50 pounds or less.
(1) The word "mixed" or "mixture".
(2) The headings "Fine-Textured Grasses" first and "Coarse Kinds" second and thereunder in tabular form in type no larger than the heading.
(A) Common accepted name, in order of its predominance, of the kind, or kind and variety of each agricultural seed present in excess of 5 percent of the whole and determined to be a "fine-textured grass" or a "coarse kind" in accordance with the rules and regulations under this Act;
(C) For each agricultural seed named under (A) above:
1. Percentage of germination, exclusive of hard seed;
2. Percentage of hard seed, if present;
3. Calendar month and year the test was completed to determine such percentages.
(3) The heading "Other Ingredients" and thereunder in type no larger than the heading.
(A) Percentage by weight of all weed seeds.
(B) Percentage by weight of all agricultural seeds other than those stated under § 1504 (c) (A).
(C) Percentage by weight of inert matter.
(5) Name and rate of occurrence per pound of each kind of restricted noxious weed seed present.
(6) Name and address of the person who labeled said seed or who sells, offers or exposes said seed for sale within this State.
(7) Net weight.
(1) Name of kind and variety of seed,
(D) The words "Below Standard" in not less than 8-point type; and
(3) Name and address of the person who labeled said seed or who sells, offers, or exposes said seed for sale within this State.
(1) The name of each kind and variety present in excess of 5 percent and the percentages by weight of each in order of its predominance.
(A) The percentage germination exclusive of hard seed,
(B) The percentage of hard seed, if present,
(f) For flower seeds in packets prepared for use in home gardens or household plantings or flower seeds in preplanted containers, mats, tapes, or other planting devices:
(B) The calendar month and year the seed was tested or the year for which the seed was packaged; and,
(2) For seeds of those kinds for which standard testing procedures are prescribed and which germinate less than the germination standard last established under the provisions of this Act.
(A) The percentage of germination exclusive of hard seeds, and
(B) The words "Below Standard" in not less than 8-point type;
(3) For seeds placed in a germination medium, mat, tape, dilutent or other device in such a way as to make it difficult to determine the quantity of seed without removing the seeds from the medium, mat, tape, dilutent or device, a statement to indicate the minimum number of viable seeds in the container.
(g) For flower seeds in containers other than packets prepared for use in home flower gardens or household planting and other than preplanted containers, mats, tapes, or other planting devices:
(1) The name of the kind and variety or a statement of type and performance characteristics as prescribed in rules and regulations promulgated under the provisions of this Act,
(3) The calendar month and year that the seed was tested or the year for which the seed was packaged.
(4) The name and address of the person who labeled said seed or who sells, offers, or exposes said seed for sale within this State, and,
(5) For those kinds of seeds for which standard testing procedures are prescribed:
(A) The percentage germinated exclusive of hard seed, and,
(B) The percentage of hard seed, if present. § 1504 A. Label requirements for tree and shrub seeds
Each container of tree and shrub seed which is sold, offered for sale, or exposed for sale, or transplanted within this State for sowing purposes shall bear thereon or have attached thereto in a conspicuous place a plainly written or printed label or tag in the English language giving the following information which statement shall not be modified or denied in the labeling or on another label attached to the container—except that labeling of seed supplied under a contractual agreement may be by invoice accompanying the shipment or by an analysis tag attached to said invoice if each bag or other container is clearly identified by a lot number stenciled on the container or if the seed is in bulk. Each bag or container that is not so identified must carry complete labeling.
(a) For all tree and shrub seeds treated as defined in this Act (for which a separate label may be used):
(3) If the substance in the amount present with the seed is harmful to human or other vertebrate animals a caution statement such as "Do not use for food or feed or oil purposes". The caution for mercurials and similarly toxic substances shall be a poison statement and symbol.
(4) If the seed has been treated with an inoculant, the date beyond which the inoculant is not to be considered effective (date of expiration).
(b) For all tree and shrub seeds subject to this Act:
(1) Common name of the species of seed (and subspecies, if appropriate).
(2) The scientific name of the genus and species (and subspecies if appropriate).
(4) Origin.
(A) For seed collected from a predominantly indigenous stand, the area of collection given by latitude and longitude, or geographic description, or political subdivision such as state or county.
(B) For seed collected from other than a predominantly indigendus stand, identify the area of collection and the origin of the stand or state "Origin not Indigenous".
(5) The elevation or the upper and lower limits of elevation within which said seed was collected.
(7) For those species for which standard germination testing procedures are prescribed by the Board the following:
(A) Percentage germination exclusive of hard seed.
(8) In lieu of 7A, B, and C above, the seed may be labeled "Test is in process, results will be supplied upon request".
(9) For those species for which standard germination testing procedures have not been prescribed by the Board the calendar year in which the seed was collected.
(10) The name and address of the person who labeled said seed or who sells, offers, or exposes said seed for sale within this State.
§ 1505. Prohibitions
(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, expose for sale or transport for sale any agricultural, vegetable, flower, or tree and shrub seeds within this State:
(1) If subject to the germination requirements of § 1504, unless the test to determine the percentage of germination required by § 1504 shall have been completed within a 9-month period exclusive of the calendar month in which the test was completed, immediately prior to sale, exposure for sale, or offering for sale or transportation.
(2) Not labeled in accordance with the provisions of this Act or having false or misleading labeling.
(3) Pertaining to which there has been false or misleading advertisement.
(4) Consisting of or containing prohibited noxious weed seeds, subject to recognized tolerances.
(5) Consisting of or containing restricted noxious weed seeds per pound in excess of the number prescribed under this Act, or in excess of the number declared on the label attached to the container of the seed or associated with the seed subject to recognized tolerances.
(6) Containing more than 1 1/2 percent by weight of all weed seeds.
(7) Containing more than 20 percent by weight of inert matter in lawn and turf seed.
(8) To which there is affixed the names or terms that create a misleading impression as to the kind, kind and variety, history, productivity, quality, or origin of the seed.
(0) If any labeling, advertising, or other representation subject to this Act represents the seed to be certified or registered seed unless:
(A) It has been determined by a seed certifying agency that such seed was produced, processed, and packaged, and conforms to the standards of purity as to kind, species (and subspecies, if appropriate), or variety, and also that tree seed was found to be of the origin and elevation claimed, in compliance with the rules and regulations of such agency pertaining to such seed;
(B) That the seed bears an official label issued for such seed by a seed certifying agency stating that the seed is certified or registered.
(b) It is unlawful for any person within this State—
(1) To detach, alter, deface, or destroy any label provided for in this Act or the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder, or to alter or substitute seed in a manner that may defeat the purposes of this Act.
(2) To disseminate any false or misleading advertisements concerning seeds subject to this Act in any manner or by any means.
(3) To hinder or obstruct in any way, any authorized person in the performance of his duties under this Act.
(4) To fail to comply with a "stop sale" order or to move or otherwise handle or dispose of any lot of seed held under a "stop sale" order or tags attached thereto, except with express permission of the enforcing officer, and for the purpose specified thereby.
§ 1506. Records
Each person whose name appears on the label as handling agricultural or vegetable seeds subject to this Act shall keep for a period of two years complete records of each lot of agricultural or vegetable seed handled; and keep for one year a file sample of each lot of seed after final disposition of said lot. All such records and samples pertaining to the shipment or shipments involved shall be accessible for inspection by the Board or its agent during customary business hours.
§ 1507. Exemptions
(a) The provisions of § 1504, 1504A and 1505 do not apply—
(2) To seed in storage in, or being transported or consigned to a cleaning or processing establishment for cleaning or processing; provided, that the invoice or labeling accompanying any shipment of said seed bears the statement "seed for processing", and provided that any labeling or other representation which may be made with respect to the uncleaned or unprocessed seed shall be subject to this Act.
(3) To any carrier in respect to any seed transported or delivered for transportation in the ordinary course of its business as a carrier; provided, that such carrier is not engaged in producing, processing, or marketing seeds subject to the provisions of this Act.
(4) To seed sold by one farmer to another if such seed has neither been advertised for sale nor been delivered through a carrier.
(5) To grain sold by farmers for cover crop purposes and not delivered through a common carrier.
(b) No person shall be subject to the penalties of this Act for having sold or offered for sale seeds subject to provisions of this Act which were incorrectly labeled or represented as to kind, species (and subspecies, if appropriate), variety, type or origin, elevation, and year of collection (if required) which seeds cannot be identified by examination thereof, unless he has failed to obtain an invoice, genuine grower's or tree seed collector's declaration or other labeling information and to take such other precautions as may be reasonable to insure the identity to be that stated.
(c) The provisions of § 1504A and § 1506 do not apply to tree seed produced by the consumer.
§ 1508. Duties and authority of the board
(a) The duty of enforcing this Act and carrying out its provisions and requirements is vested in the Board. It is the duty of the Board who may act through its authorized agents—
(1) To sample, inspect, make analysis of and test seeds subject to the provisions of this Act that are transported, sold or offered or exposed for sale within the State for sowing purposes, at such time and place and to such extent as it may deem necessary to determine whether said seeds are in compliance with provisions of this Act, and to notify promptly the person who sold, offered or exposed the seed for sale and, if appropriate, the person who labeled or transported said seed of any violation, stop sale order, or seizure.
(2) To prescribe, amend, adopt, and publish after public hearing following due public notice:
(A) Rules and regulations governing the method of sampling, inspecting, analyzing, testing, and examining seeds subject to provisions of this Act and the tolerances to be used and such other rules and regulations necessary to secure efficient enforcement of this Act.
(B) Prohibited and restricted noxious weed seed deletions or additions.
(C) Rules and regulations establishing reasonable standards on germination for vegetable seeds and flower seeds.
(D) Rules and regulations for labeling flower seeds in respect to kind and variety or type and performance characteristics as required by § 1504 of this Act.
(E) A list of the kinds of flower seeds subject to the flower seed germination labeling requirements of § 1504 of this Act.
(F) A list of the tree and shrub seed species subject to germination labeling requirements of § 1504A (b) (7).
(b) Further, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Board through its authorized agents, is authorized:
(1) To enter upon any public or private premises during regular business hours in order to have access to seeds and the records connected therewith subject to the Act and rules and regulations thereunder, and any truck or other conveyor by land, water, or air at any time when the conveyor is accessible, for the same purpose.
(2) To issue and enforce a written or printed "stop sale" order to the owner or custodian of any lot of seed subject to the provisions of this Act which the Board finds is in violation of any of the provisions of this Act or rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which order shall prohibit further sale, processing and movement of such seed, except on approval of the enforcing officer, until such officer has evidence that the law has been complied with, and he has issued a release from the "stop sale" order of such seed, provided that in respect to seed which has been denied sale, processing and movement as provided in this paragraph, the owner or custodian of such seed shall have the right to appeal from said order to a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality in which the seeds are found, praying for a judgment as to the justification of such order and for the discharge of such seeds from the order prohibiting the sale, processing and movement in accordance with the findings of the court; and provided further, that the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed as limiting the right of the enforcement officer to proceed as authorized by other sections of this Act.
(3) To establish and maintain or make provisions for seed testing facilities, to employ qualified persons, and to incur such expenses as may be necessary to comply with the provisions.
(4) To make or provide for making purity and germination tests of seed for farmers and dealers on request; to prescribe rules and regulations governing such testing; and to fix and collect charges for the tests made. (Any fees shall be transferred to the State Treasurer and paid into the General Fund of the State).
(6) To publish the results of analysis, tests, and examinations made under the provisions of this sub-title, together with any other information deemed advisable.
§ 1509. Seizure
Any lot of seed not in compliance with the provisions of this Act shall be subject to seizure on complaint of the Board to a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality in which the seed is located. In the event the court finds the seed to be in violation of this Act and orders the condemnation of said seed, it shall be denatured, processed, destroyed, relabeled, or otherwise disposed of in compliance with the laws of this State; provided, that in no instance shall the court order such disposition of said seed without first having given the claimant an opportunity to apply to the court for the release of said seed or permission to process or relabel it into compliance with this Act.
§ 1510. Injunction
When in the performance of its duties the Board applies to any court for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating or continuing to violate any of the provisions of this Act or any rules and regulations under this Act, said injunction is to be issued without bond.
§ 1511. Violations and prosecutions
Every violation of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for the first offense and not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars for each subsequent similar offense.
When the Board shall find that any person has violated any of the provisions of this Act, it or its duly authorized agent or agents may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality in which the violation occurred, to have such person convicted therefor; or the Board may file with the Attorney General with a view of prosecution, such evidence as may be deemed necessary; provided, however, that no prosecution under this Act shall be instituted without the defendant first having been given an opportunity to appear before the Board or his duly authorized agent, to introduce evidence either in person or by agent or attorney at a private hearing. If, after such hearing, or without such hearing in case, the defendant or his agent or attorney fails or refuses to appear, the Board is of the opinion that the evidence warrants prosecution, he shall proceed as herein provided.
It is the duty of the Attorney General to institute proceedings at once against any person charged with a violation of this Act, if, in the judgment of such officer, the information submitted warrants such action.
After judgment by the court in any case arising under this Act, the Board shall publish any information pertinent to the issuance of the judgment by the court in such media as he may designate from time to time.
§ 1512. Delegation of duties
Section 2. Any other laws or parts of laws in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed.
Section 3. This Act shall be effective on and after January 1, 1970.
Approved June 17, 1969.	Last Updated: September 11 2012 15:49:28.	site map | about this site | contact us | translate | delaware.gov