Quality declared seed system (QDS)

The Quality Declared Seed System (QDS), presented by FAO in 1993 and revised in 2006, has been widely used and consulted. These guidelines/protocols are aimed at assisting small-scale farmers, specialists in seed production, field agronomists and agricultural extension services in the production of quality seed. The system provides an alternative for seed quality assurance, particularly designed for countries with limited resources, which is less demanding than full seed quality control systems but yet guarantees a satisfactory level of seed quality. It has proved to be particularly useful for those working in the field of emergency seed supply and as a source of practical information on seed standards for a range of crop species.