La. Admin. Code tit. 7 § XLI-303

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XLI-303 - Application for Master Farmer Certification

A. The following individuals are eligible to apply to become a master farmer:

1. an individual who owns and operates one or more farms in his own name or through a legal entity in which the individual owns a controlling interest;

2. an individual who operates one or more farms on land leased by him or her;

3. an individual who manages or operates one or more farms for a legal entity in which the individual does not own a controlling interest.

B. An eligible individual may apply to the commissioner for certification as a master farmer if the individual has successfully completed the master farmer curriculum established by the LSU AgCenter, attended a model farm field day sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, and has implemented a resource management system plan for at least one farm.

C. An applicant who manages or operates one or more farms for a legal entity in which the individual does not own a controlling interest will be considered to have implemented a resource management system plan if the owner of the farm implements such a plan.

D. Each application shall be made in writing on a form approved by the commissioner and shall be accompanied by:

1. a document from the LSU AgCenter showing successful completion of the master farmer certification curriculum established by the LSU AgCenter;

2. a document from the LSU AgCenter showing attendance at a model farm field day sponsored by the LSU AgCenter; and

3. a document from NRCS or the department showing that a resource management system plan has been implemented for a farm;

4. a statement by the applicant that he or she agrees to attend at least six hours a year of continuing education approved by the LSU AgCenter or (and) the department during the time he or she holds a master farmer certification;

5. a statement by the applicant that he or she agrees to develop, implement and maintain, in accordance with these regulations, a resource management system plan for all farms the applicant owns, operates, or manages.

La. Admin. Code tit. 7, § XLI-303

Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of the Commissioner, LR 32:795 (May 2006).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:304.