Plant Industry - Seed and Fertilizer Section

N.C. Seed Board

Contact:   Mr. Danny Turner, Seed and Fertilizer Program Administrator, Phone: 919-707-3735, Email: Danny.Turner@ncagr.gov

The N.C. Seed Law provides the opportunity for individuals who believe they have suffered damage from the failure of agricultural or vegetable seeds to perform as labeled or warranted or as a result of negligence, to have the issue investigated and heard before the N.C. Seed Board as an alternative to filing a court action.

To engage in this process, the purchaser of seed must file a complaint with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in time for the seed, crop, or plants to be inspected.  The failure to follow this procedure will limit any damages that may be recovered.

How do I File a Claim with the N. C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services?

• Complaints must be filed in a timely manner providing an opportunity for NCDA&CS staff to conduct a thorough investigation.
  
  
• An individual desiring to have an issue investigated by the N.C. Seed Board must complete and submit the Request for arbitration by the N.C. Seed Board, Form SF07 and the Seed Arbitration Grower Data Form, Form SF08.
  
  
• The submitter must forward a copy of the completed package, along with a check in the amount of $100, payable to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  The package must be mailed to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division, Attn:  Seed and Fertilizer Program Administrator, 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1060.  For overnight delivery:  NCDA&CS-Plant Industry Division, 216 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.
  
  
• A copy of the completed package must also be sent, by registered or certified mail, to the seed dealer for which the complaint originated.
  
  
• It would be advisable to contact the NCDA&CS-Seed and Fertilizer Program Administrator to notify of the arbitration submission.