H.R. 5048 · 115th Congress
Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act of 2018
- Stage
- In committee
- Sponsor
- Mike Bost
- Introduced
- 2018-02-15
- Latest action
- 2018-02-15 · Introduced in House
Summary
Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act of 2018
This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide alternative certification methods for third-party technical service providers (TSPs). (TSPs provide technical expertise to agricultural producers on behalf of the Department of Agriculture [USDA] Natural Resource Conservation Service to assist in planning and implementing conservation measures.)
USDA must approve certain professional certifications that meet or exceed national criteria and were established by:
the USDA, an agriculture-related retailer, a farmer cooperative, the American Society of Agronomy, or the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants. A qualified certification includes a certifications as:
a Certified Crop Advisor by the American Society for Agronomy, a Certified Professional Agronomist by the American Society for Agronomy, and a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Specialist by USDA.