is a non-profit organization founded in 1919 (formally known as the International Crop Improvement Association) in an effort to establish credible standards for the production of high-quality seed. Today, AOSCA has member agencies across the U.S. as well as seven member countries including Canada, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
There is only one certification agency in each state; generally a Crop Improvement Association, Seed Growers Association, Department of Agriculture, or within an Agricultural College. Each member agency adheres to the AOSCA minimum standards but has the flexibility to make standards more stringent if necessary for the production in their own state. All AOSCA standards abide by the Federal Seed Act requirements for certified seed.
