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Certified
Crop Advisor Program
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Dr. Joe
Touchton of Auburn University provided the following information.
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Together in 1991, agribusiness leaders, government, and
university personnel, under the leadership of the American Society of Agronomy
(ASA), began discussions that led to the creation of the Certified Crop Advisor
(CCA) program. The purpose of this
discussion was to develop a voluntary, professional program fir crop advisors
that:
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1.
Established standards for knowledge, experience, ethical conduct,
and continuing education;
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2.
Enhanced professionalism; and
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3.
Promoted dialogue among individuals involved in agriculture and
natural resource management.
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The CCA program is coordinated by ASA and administered
by state, regional or provincial boards at the local level.
The local boards are staffed by volunteers with agricultural and natural
resources backgrounds. Board members represent universities, agribusiness, and
government agencies. The collective
effort has improved communication between groups active in agriculture and
natural resource management, and helped improve understanding of the crop
advising profession to the public.
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Any public, commercial, or independent advisor who
counsels farmers, ranchers or other agricultural entities, and meets the
rigorous standards of the program is encouraged to participate in the CCA
program. To become a CCA an
individual must:
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Have
up to four years crop advising experience (depending on the individual’s
educational background);
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Document
his or her education and crop advising experience with transcripts and
supporting references;
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Pass
the comprehensive international exam and the local exam, which evaluates an
applicant’s knowledge of local soil fertility, integrated pest management,
crop production and soil and water management; and
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Sign
and agree to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics.
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To maintain their certified status, certificants must
complete 40 hours of continuing education in each two-year certification cycle.
CCA’s are monitored by their local certification board regarding their
activities in continuing education, and their ethical conduct.
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Since 1992, more than 20,000 individuals have
voluntarily applied to participate in the program, and approximately 10,000 of
these individuals have met the rigorous certification standards.
CCA’s play a critical role in the future of agriculture as they advise
agricultural producers. Through their skills, they will help keep agriculture
competitive in a global economy, while aiding the process of sustaining our
natural resources and protecting our environment.
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Information on the CCA programs can be obtained through
the Internet at:
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http://www.agronomy.org/cca
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http://www.ag.auburn.edu/accap
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For information in exams and CEU’s call 608-273-8085.
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