Washington, DC, USA
April 4, 2014

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced that Jimmy Murphy Farms, Jennings, Florida has paid $875 to settle alleged violations of the Federal Seed Act.

This settlement resolves one case that involved one shipment of proso millet seed to Georgia. The alleged violations were as follows:

• false labeling of pure seed and other crop seed percentages and noxious-weed seeds rate of occurrence; and
• failure to keep or supply required records.

The company settled the case in agreement with AMS officials. The company neither admitted nor denied the charges brought against them.

The Federal Seed Act regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds to ensure that seed shipped in interstate commerce is truthfully labeled, and that advertisements about the seed are truthful. This allows seed buyers to make informed choices and promotes fair competition within the seed trade. AMS administers the Federal Seed Act by leveraging its resources with State departments of agriculture. This investigation was a result of joint efforts with seed regulatory officials in Georgia. By working collaboratively with State partners, the Federal Seed Act also helps promote uniformity among State laws and fair competition within the seed trade.

Website: http://www.ams.usda.gov

Published: April 4, 2014