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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.

Improving Your Process, Enhancing Your Products, Increasing Your Profits

Services & Programs

seed certification — 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.

man walking in wheat field analyzing grain — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — Directory

Find MCIA-certified producers, products, facilities, and services by category, or view our complete member Directory.

Upcoming Events

TUE 05

ASTA Crop Seed Convention

December 05 - December 08

Hyatt Regency Orlando

WED 13

Prairie Grains Conference

December 13 - December 14

Alerus Center

MON 25

MCIA Office Closed: Christmas

December 25 - December 26

MCIA Office

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Blog

2024 MCIA Directory Published

UMN Conducts Turfgrass Seed Production Research in Northern Minnesota

In the News

AOSCA Celebrates MCIA’s Roger Wippler with Honorary Lifetime Membership [Seed World]

Put a little mustard on it: Minnesota crop artists may have reason to give thanks [Minneapolis StarTribune]

Should a State-level Seed Certification Agency Invest Dollars Outside Their State and Outside of Seed Certification? [Seed World]

2024 MCIA Annual Meeting • January 24, 2024 • St. Cloud, Minnesota

MCIA Annual Meeting Details

2024 MCIA Annual Meeting

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