Bean seed is classified into classes to show differences in quality. Quality is measured by the same criteria already mentioned; germination rate, whether the seed is pure, sufficiently dry and free from diseases. Seed produced by specialised producers for sale to farmers is called CERTIFIED SEED. Damaged or broken beans may be good for eating, but are not suitable for seed. Bean seed bought from shops or markets or given as a gift by other farmers may also have been damaged by insects, or may be rotten, broken or mouldy. If damaged beans are used as seed, farmers will not get a good yield. This is why farmers usually sort out their beans and use only the best beans for planting. What is Good Quality Bean Seed? Good quality bean seed has the following properties:

• a high germination rate;
• well dried;
• pure: all seeds are of the same variety and of the same size;
• clean: is not mixed with foreign matter such as stones or dirt, or other seeds;
• not damaged, broken, shrivelled, mouldy, or insect damaged;
• not rotten (may be diseased);
• not discoloured or faded (may be diseased)