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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 22

National Organic Standards Board Meeting

October 22 - October 24

Hilton Portland Downtown

TUE 29

ASTA Forage, Turf, and Conservation Seed Conference

October 29

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

THU 07

Minnesota Ag & Food Summit

November 07

Minneapolis Convention Center

View All Events

Blog

In Memoriam: Donald Rasmusson, 1931–2024

MCIA Seeks Organic Administrative Specialist

Remembering the Life and Work of Donald Wyse

In the News

How Did Cannabis Become Legalized? [The Farmer]

Cannabis in Minnesota Slow to Germinate [The Farmer]

Seeds of Change: Roger Wippler retires after 34 years with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association [The Farmer]