A plan by the Australian Seeds Industry Association to make its quality assurance program the national model for seed certification was rejected by South Australia, the largest-producing state.
South Australian growers said they wanted a more independent national seed certification authority that had more direct grower representation.
South Australian Farmers Federation spokesman David Pengelly said if the industry didn't get it right, exports of Australian seed could be jeopardized.
"It's possible if we don't get it right we could see someone-who doesn't like to see the competition from Australian seed producers and sellers-blow the whistle on the system and say, `look, there's some difficulties here,' and in fact put up an artificial barrier to our trade."