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Seed Certification

Arizona seed certification services for seed companies and growers.

Small grain field

Arizona Seed Certification Program

Purpose

ACIA administers seed certification to maintain varietal identity and support high-quality certified seed production in Arizona.

Participation

Seed companies and growers submit applications for eligible crops. ACIA reviews the application and determines inspection timing.

Certification Tags

Certification tags are issued only after ACIA determines that program requirements have been met.

Certification Process

1. Apply

Submit the correct field inspection application before inspection work begins.

2. Review

ACIA reviews eligibility, field information, crop history, and application details.

3. Inspect

ACIA schedules field inspections based on crop stage and certification requirements.

4. Certify

After all requirements are met, ACIA issues certification approval and tags when applicable.

Inspection Schedule

CropInspection RequirementNotes
Small GrainsFoundation: 3 inspections; Registered: 2 inspections; Certified: 1 inspectionInspection timing depends on crop stage and class produced.
CottonOne inspectionField mapping and varietal identity are reviewed.
AlfalfaOne inspectionNo registered class for alfalfa in Arizona.
SudangrassOne inspectionIsolation and johnsongrass concerns are important.
Sorghum HybridsThree inspectionsRequirements depend on the class produced.
OkraOne inspectionInspection is typically performed when pods are present.
GrassesOne inspectionNo registered class for grasses in Arizona.
TurfgrassThree inspectionsTurfgrass has separate program information.

Important Certification Notes

Off-type tolerances depend on the certification class produced. ACIA does not apply one fixed tolerance to all classes.
Members submit applications first. ACIA determines when inspection is required based on the crop and program requirements.

Seed Certification Forms

Common forms used for crop certification, tag orders, transfers, bulk sales, and blending documentation.