The Division of Plant Industry is responsible for ensuring consumers of disease-free and pest-free plants, grains, and seeds, as well as properly labeled agricultural commodities, and the safe application of pesticides and farm chemicals.
Apiary (Beekeeping) Program
Click here to learn more about the Apiary Program.
Africanized Honeybees
Click here to learn more about Africanized Honeybees.
Feed Program
To learn more about UDAF's Feed Program, click here.
Fertilizer Program
To learn more about UDAF's Fertilizer Program, click here.
Grain Program
Click here to learn more about the Grain Program.
Hay Program
Aaron Eagar, Program Manager, (801) 538-7186
Read this document for full instructions on How Do I Certify My Hay as Weed-Free?
There is a growing demand for weed free forage in North America as a preventative program for the spread of noxious weeds. This program has developed a list of standards that should provide land managers assurance that noxious weeds will not be spread through the movement of forage.
What Forages can be Certified?
- Alfalfa hay
- Grass hay
- Alfalfa/grass mix hay
- Forage pellets and/or cubes
- Wheat or other grain hay
- Straw bales
Utah complies with NIASMA standards for weed free forage.
In order to certify your hay as weed free, please contact your local UDAF Compliance Specialists.
Hay and Straw Weed Free Certification Fees
| Certificate/Bulk loads of hay up to 10 loads (hourly rates charged for driving time) | $30.00 |
| Hourly rate (hourly rates charged for driving time) | $28.00 |
| If time involved is 1 hour or less | $28.00 |
| Charge for each hay tag | $0.10 |
| Citations, maximum per violation | $500.00 |
| Emergency service for single component only (per sample) | $42.00 |
Mileage rates will be charged in addition to the rates above.
Insects and Pests Program
Click here to learn more about the Insect and Pests Program.
Japanese Beetle Eradication
The Commissioner of Agriculture has declared an Insect Emergency Infestation Area in Salt Lake County.
In 2019 the UDAF Invasive Insect Program detected 36 Japanese beetles in Salt Lake County. The program has not detected this many beetles for more than a decade. To ensure that the Japanese beetle does not become established in the state, UDAF has declared an emergency and has prepared an eradication plan.
Visit our Japanese Beetle Eradication page to learn more.
Noxious Weeds Program
Aaron Eagar, State Noxious Weed Program Manager (801) 602-1961
In administering the Utah Noxious Weed Control Act, the State Weed Specialist coordinates and monitors weed control programs throughout the state.
- FY2022 Invasive Species Mitigation Grant Application
- State of Utah Noxious Weed List
- Additional Noxious Weeds Declared by Utah Counties
- Utah Weed Control Association (UWCA)
- Hay and Straw Weed Phytosanitary Inspection Policy and Procedures
Utah Code and Administrative Rules Relating to Noxious Weeds
- Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code Annotated: Title 4, Chapter 17)
- Utah Noxious Weed Act (R68-9)
- Compliance Procedures (R68-19)
Related Links
- Invasive species information for Utah
- Weed Information at USU Extension
- INVADERS Database System - Exotic plant names and weed distribution records for five Northwestern states
Nursery Program
Click here to learn more about the Nursery Program.
Organic Certification Program
Dave Basinger, Program Manager (435) 636-3234
Current Licensee Lists and Fees
What We Do
Organic Production is a system that is managed by both state and federal standards for the response to site specific conditions in the growing or processing of foods, which conditions are managed by integrated cultural, biological and mechanical practices. It is the intent of organically grown or produced products to foster the cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve bio-diversity.
This program is intended to serve producers, processors and consumers of agricultural products. The goal is to manage a process that will maintain the integrity of food products produced without the use of restricted chemical inputs.
Contact
Specific information for the organic food program should be directed to:
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Organic Food Program Coordinator
Dave Basinger
Carbon County Administrative Bldg
751 E 100 N Ste 1700
Price, UT 84501
dbasinger@utah.gov
Utah certifies to the USDA NOP Standard:
National Organic Program Regulations 7 CFR Part 205
Utah Code and Administrative Rules Relating to Organic Production
- Utah Organic Standards (R68-20)
Related Links
- Organic Farming Compliance Handbook - A Resource Guide for Western Region Agricultural Professionals
- Organic Certification FAQs
- Organic Certification Fee Schedule
- Independent Organic Inspectors Association
- National Organic Program
- National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
- Organic Materials Review Institute
- Organic Consumers Association
- Organic Trade Association
- Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
- Sustainable Agriculture and Education
- The Soil and Health Library
- Factsheet: Guide for Organic Livestock Producers
- Factsheet: Guide for Organic Crop Producers
- Factsheet: Guide for Organic Processors
- Factsheet: Guide for Organic Certification
Pesticides Program
Click here to learn more about the Pesticides Program.
Plant Commodity, Grading, and Shipping
Click here to learn more about Plant Commodity Grading and Shipping.
Seed Program
Seed Lab Testing, Services, and Regulations
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is responsible for regulating the sale and labeling of agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree and shrub seeds that are sold, offered for sale, or transported within Utah. The program also examines the records of seed companies to ensure compliance with Utah and federal seed laws.
The program additionally provides for sampling and testing of seed sold at the retail level to ensure compliance with Utah's seed law. Tests are conducted to check for proper germination, weed seed content, and other factors important to Utah consumers.
