Alberta Certified Weed Free Forage

Contaminated hay is one-way invasive plants are spread across the province, between provinces and around the world. To address this, the North American Invasive Species Management Association has set industry guidelines and maintains minimum standards for certified weed free products, which are recognized across North America.  

Inspectors have the authority to certify portions of fields or even fields with weeds present, provided that no invasive plant propagules will enter the baled forage. Inspections must be conducted within ten days maximum prior to cutting, if the crop is not cut within that timeline, a new inspection must be conducted to certify the forage as weed-free.

If you are a municipal Weed Inspector and are interested in becoming a Certified Weed Free Forage Inspector contact the AISC (587 999 0954) for information. To become certified, all inspectors are required to:

• Attend the AISC's Certified Weed Free Product training, or
• Complete the NAISMA online training.

Potential inspectors must first contact the AISC prior to taking the training. Upon completion of the course and passing the quiz, inspectors will receive an inspector training certificate valid for 3 years.