With the introduction of value-added traits, identity preservation programs,

Federal organic standards, and the advent of field testing of federally

regulated genetically modified plants, harvest equipment clean-out has

become a production, marketing, and regulatory imperative. New federal

regulations by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies

under Marketing and Regulatory Programs, in the areas of certified organic

production, plant protection and quarantine, and biotechnology require

that harvesting equipment be cleaned of seed and biomaterial before use,

interstate transport, or return-to-service in a growing number of cases.