How Farmers Can Identify Fake Seeds and Safely Buy Genetically Modified Corn Seeds

Seeds, the reproductive bodies unique to gymnosperms and angiosperms, are formed from ovules through pollination and fertilization. They are an indispensable and important presence in agricultural planting.So what kind of seeds are fake seeds? Is it illegal to plant genetically modified corn seeds? How can farmers buy safely?

What kind of seeds are fake seeds?

Article 49 of the Seed Law of the People's Republic of China provides that the following seeds are fake seeds:

(1) those that pass off non-seeds as seeds, or pass off seeds of one variety as seeds of another variety;

(2) those whose seed type or variety does not match what is stated on the label, or that have no label.

Is it illegal to plant genetically modified corn seeds?

The Ministry of Agriculture of China has not approved the planting of genetically modified corn, so planting it privately is illegal.

In addition, Heilongjiang has clear provisions on this: Article 108 of the Heilongjiang Province Food Safety Regulations provides that anyone who illegally plants genetically modified corn, rice, soybeans and other grain crops within the administrative region shall have agricultural subsidies suspended, and the provincial government's agricultural administrative department shall order the crops to be uprooted and destroyed; if there is no illegal income or the illegal income is less than 100,000 yuan, a fine of up to 100,000 yuan may also be imposed, and if the illegal income is 100,000 yuan or more, a fine of not less than two times but not more than five times the illegal income may also be imposed.

How can farmers buy safely?

(1) Buy seeds from seed suppliers with complete licenses and certificates. After buying the seeds, carry out a germination test as early as possible so you know what to expect. If you find any problems, contact the seed seller immediately and resolve them properly.

(2) Check whether the packaging label is complete and clear. The label should state: seed category, variety name, place of origin, seed business license number, quality indicators, quarantine certificate number, net content, year and month of production, producer name, producer address and contact information, etc. For seeds of major crops, the seed production and operation license number, variety approval number and introduction and filing number should also be added.

(3) Ask the operator for an invoice or other proof of purchase. The proof of purchase must bear an official seal and clearly indicate important information such as the time of purchase, variety name, quantity, grade and price. Do not accept handwritten notes or receipts signed by an individual.

(4) Keep the invoice, credit card, seed packaging bags, variety instructions and other relevant evidence safe. Once a seed quality problem arises, negotiate with the seller and file a complaint as soon as possible, apply to the relevant department for identification in a timely manner, and take photos and videos to prevent the seller from delaying, dodging or otherwise evading the issue and causing the identification period to be missed, making identification impossible.

(5) Buy seeds of major crops that have been approved by the province, or approved by the state with suitable areas that include the province or city, or approved by a neighboring province and filed for record.

How should seed disputes be handled?

(1) Negotiate with the seed operator;

(2) Request mediation by other people or relevant departments (agriculture bureau, market regulation, consumers association);

(3) Apply for industry or judicial identification, and file a lawsuit with the people's court based on the identification results;

(4) File a lawsuit directly with the people's court.