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Noxious weed seed free forage & mulch certificationQUICK LINKS
Introduction There is a growing demand in North America for the use of certified noxious weed seed free forage and mulch to limit the spread of noxious weeds. In Minnesota, certified mulch is often required by government agencies for highway roadside re-vegetation and other projects to avoid the introduction of noxious weeds. Most public lands in the western United States require that hay transported into these areas be certified noxious weed free. Minnesota horse enthusiasts traveling to these areas must use certified forage when horses are transported to restricted areas. What NWSF forage & mulch certification means This certification program is designed to assure that forage (hay, cubes and pellets) and mulch sold with proper certification identification meets minimum standards designed to limit the spread of noxious weeds. Buyers are provided assurance that forage and mulch certified through this program meets minimum standards. MCIA's role MCIA has been designated under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law as the official Noxious Weed Free Forage and Mulch Certification Agency in Minnesota. MCIA standards comply with the North American Weed Free Forage Program standards developed by the Regional Weed Free Forage Committee of the North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA). These minimum standards allow uniform participation by states and provinces in the program. Forage and mulch certified by MCIA, with proper certification markings attached, will be eligible for shipment into restricted areas in the United States and Canada where only forage and mulch certified under the North American Weed Free Forage Program can be used. How to get certified Applicants desiring to have their forage and/or mulch certified must apply to MCIA for field inspection four weeks prior to each cutting. MCIA will conduct a thorough inspection of each field, field borders and storage sites. MCIA shall issue certification labels to producers to mark bales harvested from eligible fields. For more information Please contact MCIA to obtain information on how to participate in this program. A directory of producers of certified forage and mulch is also available. List of noxious weedsNorth American Noxious Weeds:
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