Noxious Weed-Free Forage & Mulch
ACIA-administered certification for forage, straw, bedding, and mulch movement in Arizona.
Program Overview
ACIA administers the Noxious Weed-Free Forage & Mulch program for eligible forage and related products moving from Arizona fields. The program is designed to reduce the movement of noxious weeds through forage, straw, bedding, mulch, and similar commodities.
Certification Process
Apply Before Harvest
Submit the Noxious Weed-Free application at least 14 days before harvest.
Field Inspection
ACIA inspects the field and borders within the required pre-harvest window.
Harvest Certified Material
Harvest must occur within 10 days after inspection or the field must be reinspected.
Mark Certified Product
Use weed-free twine or labels.
Move Product
Certified shipments must be accompanied by a Transit Certificate document.
Minimum Certification Requirements
| Requirement | Website Summary |
|---|---|
| Prohibited weeds | Forage must be free of prohibited weeds. Fields are inspected for ACIA prohibited species and applicable state or province noxious weed lists. |
| State/province of origin | Forage must be inspected in the state or province of origin by the designated authority. |
| Field of origin | The field of origin must be inspected by the designated authority before certification. |
| Certification certificate | An inspection certificate documents that program requirements have been met. |
| Shipment documentation | Certified shipments must be accompanied by a Transit Certificate document. |
Field Inspection Standards
| Inspection Item | ACIA Standard |
|---|---|
| Inspection window | Fields shall be inspected within a maximum of 10 days before cutting or harvesting. |
| Reinspection | Fields must be inspected again if harvest is delayed more than 10 days from the first inspection. |
| Entry points | Minimum two entry points per field, and at least one entry point for each 10 acres. |
| Depth of entry | Each entry point must be at least 150 feet into the field; each additional 150 feet traveled counts as an additional entry point. |
| Travel pattern | Inspection travel must be uninterrupted through the field being inspected. |
| Field borders | Borders, ditches, fence rows, roads, easements, rights-of-way, and buffer areas must be inspected as determined by the designated authority. |
| Storage area | The storage area for the forage must also be inspected and meet standards. |
| Conflict of interest | An inspector may not inspect fields in which the inspector has ownership or financial interest. |
Certification Marking and Transit Certificates
Certified Weed-Free Twine
Certified weed-free twine must be used in at least one full string per bale to be considered an approved ACIA certification marking. Cut or tied lengths attached to a bale are not accepted as approved marking.
Transit Certificate
A transit certificate documents transporter information, consignee information, destination, inspection certificate reference, certification marking used, bale/package information, forage type, issue date, and issuer signature.
ACIA Note
Certification applies to the inspected field and certified product. If harvest timing, storage, documentation, or marking changes, contact ACIA before shipment.
Inspection Certificate Information
- Designated authority contact information
- Inspection certificate number
- Forage producer contact information
- Legal description of property inspected
- Number of acres inspected
- Size of package or bale
- Number or tonnage of bales or packages
- Type of forage
- “Meets ACIA Standard” statement
- Inspection date
- Inspector signature
- Comments section
- Expiration date
- Disclaimer statement
Forms and Downloads
Noxious Weed-Free Application
Use before harvest to request field inspection.
Transit Certificate
Used for certified material movement when required.
ACIA Standards
Reference standards for ACIA certified noxious weed-free forage and mulch.
Official Weed List References
Links to the official Arizona Department of Agriculture and North American weed-free products references.
National Standards Note
ACIA administers the Arizona Noxious Weed-Free Forage & Mulch Certification Program using ACIA procedures based on nationally recognized Weed Free Products minimum standards. National organization references are retained only where needed to explain the broader program.