The purpose of ICIA is:

To promote the production and use of improved seed stocks.
To provide seed certification and quality assurance services.
To conduct, in cooperation with Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, testing and disseminate information regarding the adaptation and performance of crop cultivars.
To support research, educational, and leadership opportunities regarding crop improvement.
To provide other related services to benefit its members and the seed industry.

ICIA audits and inspects the production of certified seed using established certification standards. Seed certification provides:

Coordinated, professional, and unbiased field inspections and laboratory testing.
An unbiased system for use in meeting state, federal, and international seed law requirements.
Assurance to seed buyers that designated seed has met established standards for varietal purity and identity.

Field inspection standards and protocols used by ICIA for certification are established by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes, and the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). Seed testing is conducted by laboratories who follow the “Rules for Testing Seeds,” which is regulated by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA).

ICIA’s membership is composed of seed producers, farmers, others interested in crop improvement. The Board of Directors includes the following members:

The Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary`s designee.
The following persons representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University:
- The Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.
- The Chair of the Agronomy Department.
- The Director of the Seed Science Center.
Six persons elected by ICIA`s voting shareholders from among its voting shareholders.

The Board of Directors determines the officers for the organization. The ICIA Director holds an appointment in the Department of Agronomy, Iowa State university.

Iowa Crop Improvement Association financially supports the Iowa State University Crops Team, sponsors the Iowa FFA Agronomy Career Development event, offers a summer internship program, and awards several scholarships through Iowa State University.