The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) is dedicated to improving the productivity, profitability, and competitive position of agricultural producers, processors, and distributors of agricultural products.
MCIA provides services that enhance the value and improve the marketability of agricultural products. MCIA is the state of Minnesota’s official certification agency for seed and for noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch.
Seed Certification
As Minnesota’s official seed certifying agency, MCIA provides certification services to producers of seed and other agricultural products. MCIA certifies crop seed, native seed, noxious weed seed-free free forage and mulch, and quality-assured sod. The certification process includes inspection and testing according to recognized standards.
Field and Special Services
MCIA offers an array of on-site inspection, audit, and other quality management services, including field inspection, approved facility, and identity preservation programs, as well as MnDOT-approved seed, sod, and forage and mulch programs. Our staff can also advise producers on how to customize programs to meet their specific needs.
Foundation Seed Services
MCIA foundation seed services facilitates the movement of crop varieties developed by public plant breeding institutions into the marketplace. MCIA produces and distributes foundation seed, works with University of Minnesota plant breeders for the increase of new crop varieties, and serves as the licensing agent for crop varieties developed by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.
Organic Certification
MCIA provides organic certification to crop and livestock producers, handlers and processors, and wild harvesters. MCIA is an Accredited Certifying Agent authorized by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Once certified, operations may use the USDA organic seal on eligible products, improving their marketability and increasing opportunities for global distribution.
Seed Testing Laboratory
MCIA’s seed laboratory offers a host of tests to help seed producers, sellers, and buyers assess seed quality. Seed testing is also the final step in MCIA’s seed certification process. MCIA requires that seed lots that we certify be tested at our laboratory (except for native species).
Directory
Find MCIA-certified producers, products, facilities, and services by category, or view our complete member Directory.
MCIA Board of Directors Meeting
December 04
MCIA Office
ASTA Field Crop Seed Convention
December 10 - December 13
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Prairie Grains Conference
December 12
Alerus Center
View All Events
Applications Open for Minnesota’s 2025 Industrial Hemp Program
Test Your Cover Crop Seed
Organic Corner
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Seeds of Change: Roger Wippler retires after 34 years with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association [The Farmer]