Corn (maize) is one of the most widely-produced crops in the world today and it has a variety of traditional uses for human food, livestock feed, and industrial purposes. Innovative new uses are being discovered for this versatile crop, including ethanol used for fuel and improved nutritional varieties that will provide health benefits through the food we eat.

This website section will include information about AOSCA programs related to this important crop.

From the very early days of seed certification, AOSCA and its member agencies have provided services to the seed industry that have helped advance the introduction of improved corn hybrids and provided consumer confidence for corn growers, by assuring the quality of the seed they use.

As technology brings changes to agriculture and the seed industry, AOSCA continues to develop expanded programs and services to meet new challenges.

Recent advances in biotechnology have led to the development of corn varieties with insect resistance traits, allowing the plant to protect itself from damage caused by harmful pests without the use of insecticides. Growers who use these new insect-protected varieties must comply with USEPA requirements for Insect Resistance Management (IRM) refuges. The purpose of the refuge strategy is to prevent the potential threat of target pests developing resistance to the technology and leading to a loss in value and benefit of the traits.

Beginning in 2006, AOSCA and seed certification agencies from corn-producing states across the United States conducted on-farm surveys with growers who use this technology. These assessment surveys are intended to determine the level of overall compliance with the requirements and to build awareness of the importance of IRM strategies. This is another example of the types of AOSCA services available to seed producers and growers who depend upon access to high quality seeds with improved traits.

AOSCA also offers its trademarked “Identity Preserved” and “Quality Assurance” programs that are designed to develop crop or market specific approaches to adding value to seed and field crops. These programs can be tailored to meet specific market demands and offer the validation of third-party inspections and audits by AOSCA Agencies.

For more information about AOSCA programs dealing with corn, please contact the AOSCA office.