Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > What's New > Seed Program Announces...

Seed Program Announces Elimination of Generation 4 Seed in Maine

by Terry Bourgoin, Director, Division of Plant Industry, Maine Department of Agriculture Food and Rural Resources

In 2005 an amendment was made to CMR 01-001, "Rules Governing Certification of Seed Potatoes in the State of Maine".  One of the changes to the rules was the elimination of the 4th generation of seed in Maine’s seed certification system.  According to Chapter II of the rules, Production Requirements, under A. 3e, Propagation of Certified and Foundation Seed Classes, the rules state:

"Beginning 2007, Generation 4 seed potatoes may not be planted or sold as seed.  Beginning in 2006, Generation 3 seed potatoes are not eligible for certification but can be sold as seed for table stock or processing use."

Below you will find an explanation of the impact of this rule change on eligible generations of seed for certification and planting in 2006 and beyond:

  • Beginning in 2006:
    • Generation 3 (year 7 field grown) seed potatoes and Generation 4 (year 8 field grown) seed potatoes may not be entered for recertification .  These generations are only allowed to be planted for table or processing stock.
    • Generation 2 (year 6 field grown) seed potatoes are the oldest generation allowed for recertification
  • Beginning in 2007:
    • Generation 4 (year 8 field grown) seed potatoes may not be planted in Maine, or sold as seed.

The rules allow for waivers of the Generation requirements in the event that a shortage of seed of a particular variety exists.  Waiver requests must be submitted to the Department in writing.

Feel free to contact the Division of Plant Industry at 207-764-2036 for further information about this matter.