Bright green, leafy alfalfa grows in a field.

Fuel the Future of Alfalfa With Every Seed Purchase

When you choose alfalfa seed from participating brands, you’re not just investing in your fields, you’re investing In The Future Of The Alfalfa Industry.

The alfalfa checkoff channels $1.50 from each seed bag you purchase into vital research and promotion efforts that enhance alfalfa’s role in animal nutrition and as a regenerative crop, keeping alfalfa competitive with other crops and uniting industry voices to shape a resilient future for alfalfa.

Choose a seed brand that participates in the checkoff and help secure a thriving future for alfalfa.

Don’t see your favorite seed brand? Contact NAFA to start a conversation.

Checkoff FAQ

NAFA’s mission is to ensure the ability of all segments of the alfalfa and forage industry to compete effectively while maintaining access to global markets and meeting the requirements of those markets.

  • NAFA is comprised of state and regional alfalfa seed and alfalfa hay associations, genetic suppliers, seed marketers, farmers and allied industry representatives.
  • NAFA provides a forum for consensus among these stakeholders on the advancement of the alfalfa industry.
  • NAFA operates as the collective alfalfa and forage industry's voice, strengthening the collective influence of the industry.
  • Through research, educational and advocacy initiatives, NAFA enhances the utility of alfalfa and forage crops, nurtures emerging markets and enables the success of our stakeholders in a competitive industry.
  • NAFA administers the alfalfa checkoff, officially called the U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Initiative.

Alfalfa checkoff funds research studies that strengthen the market for alfalfa. Research that furthers management techniques, uncovers additional benefits or identifies opportunities for market expansion serves alfalfa farmers by creating a strong and resilient alfalfa industry for the future.

NAFA takes a comprehensive approach to supporting and advancing the alfalfa and forage industry through targeted research, education and advocacy efforts.

  • Advocacy: NAFA builds awareness for alfalfa, the Nation’s 4th most valuable field crop, and works to secure recognition, research funding, risk management tools (e.g., crop insurance) and policy inclusion for alfalfa (e.g., NRCS Short-term Perennial Program). NAFA’s advocacy efforts and educational programming influence policymaking and lead to additional research opportunities.
  • Research: NAFA manages the alfalfa checkoff program, conducting research based on industry-set priorities. Additionally, NAFA has worked to secure more than $4 million annually for the Alfalfa Seed & Alfalfa Forage Systems (ASAFS) research program and more than $24 million in USDA Agricultural Research Service funding specifically for alfalfa research. This research is shared nationally and regionally with and through aligned industry channels.
  • Education: NAFA hosts annual training seminars and maintains educational resources.

Research funding for alfalfa comes from the alfalfa checkoff program, the Alfalfa Seed & Alfalfa Forage Systems Research Program, dedicated ARS alfalfa research funding, and the Alfalfa Pollinator Research Initiative.

  • Alfalfa checkoff, known as the U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Initiative, is a farmer-funded program supporting alfalfa research to drive industry innovation and profitability.
    • Alfalfa checkoff is voluntarily implemented by seed brands.
    • Participating brands collect $1.50 for each bag of seed you purchase.
    • Checkoff funds are used for public research and promotion of alfalfa and to support industry priorities.
  • NAFA’s advocacy efforts have also resulted in federal funding for alfalfa research.
    • The Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems Research Program, managed by USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture, receives $4 million annually to support research and technology transfer to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of forage production, aiming to improve yield, persistence, harvesting, storage, quality and breeding. This funding has resulted in nearly $30 million in new money for alfalfa research.
    • Newly dedicated base funding within USDA’s Agricultural Research Service which is now over $24 million in new money for alfalfa research.
    • The Alfalfa Pollinator Research Initiative, run by USDA's Agricultural Research Service, receives $100,000 annually and focuses on maintaining healthy non-Apis pollinators crucial for alfalfa seed production, addressing management, safety, disease and genetics.

NAFA will be implementing a survey to gather valuable insights from farmers and industry influencers. This survey is designed to understand industry needs and gather input to help NAFA shape future research priorities and initiatives.

DID YOU KNOW: If you are a member of a NAFA affiliate state or regional alfalfa and forage organization, you are already a NAFA member.

Get in touch with your local state or regional alfalfa and forage organization to learn more.

If you do not have a local organization in your region, you can work directly with NAFA to get involved or complete the NAFA membership brochure.

NAFA and alfalfa checkoff encourage farmers to buy from brands that participate in the checkoff and to get involved in a variety of ways.

  • Later this year, farmers and industry influencers will be asked to complete a survey to help NAFA gather valuable insights from our industry to help guide the future of the alfalfa checkoff and other NAFA priorities.
  • Check our event calendar for upcoming education opportunities and industry events and get involved.
A red tractor drives through a beautiful green field cutting alfalfa.