Federal Noxious Weed Act

The Federal Noxious Weed Act, enacted in 1975, established a federal program to control the spread of noxious weeds. The Secretary of Agriculture was given the authority to designate plants as noxious weeds by regulation, and the movement of all such weeds in interstate or foreign commerce was prohibited except under permit. The secretary was also given authority to inspect, seize and destroy products, and to quarantine areas, if necessary to prevent the spread of such weeds. The secretary also was authorized to cooperate with other federal, state and local agencies, farmers associations and private individuals in measures to control, eradicate, or prevent or retard the spread of such weeds.