Seeds are amazing and invaluable natural resources. Healthy, high-quality seed and planting material of first-class approved varieties is the basis for producing food, feed and top-quality raw material. Because of its importance, seed and planting material is subject to strict national and international regulations. The presentation will show the beauty of seeds, provide insights into the multi-faceted seed certification procedure, touch on the topic of genetic modification and discuss why some aspects may require a second look.