Certified Crop Advisor Information

ACMA Strongly supports and promotes the CCA Program

 

The following information was provided by Dr. Joe Touchton of Auburn University who was the recipient of ACMA’s first Fred Clearman Award, our highest professional award, for his work with CCA.

 

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:

 

1.     Established standards for knowledge, experience, ethical conduct, and continuing education;

2.     Enhanced professionalism; and

3.     Promoted dialogue among individuals involved in agriculture and natural resource management.

 

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.

 

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:

 

  1. Have up to four years crop advising experience (depending on the individual’s educational background);
  2. Document his or her education and crop advising experience with transcripts and supporting references;
  3. 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
  4. Sign and agree to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Information on the CCA programs can be obtained through the internet at:

 

http://www.agronomy.org/cca

 

http://www.ag.auburn.edu/accap

 

For information in exams and CEU’s call 608-273-8085.

 

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