Turfgrass Certification
Turfgrass certification is unique to GCIA. Most certification is with seeded crops. However, warm season turf grasses are mostly hybrids which do not produce seed and are planted vegetatively. The turf industry has unique requirements. As with all crops, weeds and off types plants must be rogued from production fields. Certification is the only quality control offered for protection of the consumer, as state and federal laws do not address vegetatively produced crops.
In Georgia there are two certification programs. One administrated by the State Department of Agriculture issues a certificate for “apparent freedom” from insects, diseases, or other pests. GCIA members grow all certified grass under rules and regulations of GCIA which prevents the sale of grass containing noxious weeds, common bermuda, and other contaminating turfgass varieties. Many landscape architects specify Georgia certified “blue tag” turfgrass on their projects.
For more information, contact Becki Hicks, Turfgrass Administrative Assistant, at becki.hicks@georgiacrop.com.
GCIA also manages the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP). Mr. Don Roberts serves as the ITGAP Managing Director.
GCIA Turf
GCIA’s Certified Turfgrass program includes many UGA-developed varieties which excel in the SE United States.
Developed by Dr. Brian Schwartz at UGA, TifTuf Bermuda is the first and only grass to be awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark (also known as Smart Drop Certified) for its exceptional water-saving benefits.
GCIA sod producers work diligently to give the turf just what it needs, including irrigation, fertilization and mowing.
Most landscapers and homeowners prefer to purchase sod squares.
Most sports turf construction jobs call for large sod rolls.