Federal Law No. 454-FZ “On seed growing.”

This Federal Law regulates relations in the field seed production (growing, storage, transportation, sales of seeds of agricultural crops, their use), including the provision of services in the specified area, as well as the import of seeds of agricultural crops to the Russian Federation and export of seeds from the Russian Federation. It shall not be applicable to the use of seeds of agricultural crops by natural persons for own needs (personal, family, home or other not related to the performance of entrepreneurial activity). This Federal Law establishes powers of the Government and competent federal authority in the field of seed growing. Depending on the stage of reproduction of the variety or hybrid of agricultural crop the following categories are defined as seeds of agricultural crops: (a) original; (b) elite (elite seeds); and (c) reproductive. Depending on the methods of obtaining planting material, the following categories of planting material for fruit, berry plants and grapes are established: (a) initial planting material; (b) basic planting material; (c) proven planting material; and (d) untested planting material. Scheme for the production of seeds of a variety or hybrid of agricultural crop includes a set of activities on the conservation of varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops scientifically based methods. It shall be prohibited to use for seed production seeds of agricultural crops infected or infested by quarantine species. Planting of seeds containing GMO shall be authorized exclusively for testing and scientific research. Approbation of crops (plantings) of agricultural crops shall be carried out in relation to crops (plantings) of agricultural crops to be used for seed production purposes, the seeds of which are intended for sale or seed production. If sowing (planting) is unsuitable for use for seed production purposes, a culling certificate shall be drawn up and issued. Seeds of agricultural crops during their sale and transportation may be kept in packaged or unpackaged condition (in bulk), with the exception of elite seeds which, during their sale and transportation may only be kept in a packaged state. State register of agricultural plant varieties and hybrids approved for use is a set of reliable systematic information about varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops. This Federal Law contains 8 Chapters divided into 32 Articles. Chapter 1 lays down general provisions. Chapter 2 establishes general requirements for production (growing), storage, transportation and sale of seeds of agricultural crops. Chapter 3 regards access to information, information resources and information systems in the field of seed production of agricultural crops. Chapter 4 establishes federal state control (supervision) in the field of seed production of agricultural crops. Chapter 5 regards ensuring safety in the field of seed production of agricultural crops. Chapter 6 regards international cooperation in the field of seed production. Chapter 7 establishes liability for violations of legislation in field of seed production of agricultural crops. Chapter 8 lays down final provisions.