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Fertilizer Research and Education Program: NMP Certification for Crop Advisors

Implementing nutrient management plans to prevent groundwater contamination from nitrogen fertilizer in California. Collaboration with CCAs for NMP training and certification.

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Fertilizer Research and Education Program: NMP Certification for Crop Advisors

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  1. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTUREFertilizer research and education programnew initiatives NMP Certification Program for Certified Crop Advisors Asif A. Maan, PhD Environmental Program Manager II California Department of Food and Agriculture

  2. Scientific evidence to show groundwater contamination from nitrogen fertilizer • Central Valley = sandy soils = Nitrate movement to water • Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations on nitrogen movement to groundwater • CDFA is aware of the regulations and working with coalition groups to find solutions background

  3. East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition working to develop nutrient management plans (NMPs) for implementation by its member growers • 2,500 tree crop growers: 200+ crops • NMPs being developed in coordination with CDFA and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board • Bottom-up approach supported by CDFA • Need resources for implementing NMPs? Who is going to discuss the NMP with growers and make best management practice recommendations? background

  4. CA Certified Crop Advisors (CA-CCAs) • CCAs have been identified as a good resource to help growers implement NMPs • Already certified through the CA CCA program and American Society of Agronomy in general agronomic practices • Qualified to make nutrient recommendations • However….additional training specific to coalition NMPs by region would be useful • CDFA will offer an additional special training certification to CCAs on NMPs resources

  5. Concept proposal CROP MANAGEMENT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN CDFA FREP NMP EDUCATION/TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION CCA CERTIFICATION AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AGRONOMY CALIFORNIA CCA PROGRAM FREPwas established in 1990 when California Food and Agricultural Code Section 14611(b) authorized a mill assessment on the sale of fertilizing materials “to provide funding for research and education regarding the use and handling of fertilizing material, including, but not limited to, any environmental effects.”

  6. Will not duplicate the CA-CCA and American Society of Agronomy certification program • Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) will: • Coordinate with the regional water boards, CA-CCA, and coalitions to determine training and education requirements • Provide training and education to CCAs on NMPs developed by coalitions throughout CA • Certify CCAs who have successfully completed FREP NMPs training and education program Conceptual plan

  7. Presented the concept to Central Valley Regional Water Board staff, and CA-CCA Board of Directors…they are supportive of this plan • CA-CCA established a subcommittee to work with CDFA on this project • Has been accepted by the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board, and approved by Secretary Ross • Details need to be worked out Conceptual plan (continued)

  8. Asif Maan (PhD) Environmental Program Manager II Inspection Services (916) 900-5022 Amrith Gunasekara (PhD) Science Advisor to the Secretary (916) 654-0433 California Department of Food and Agriculture 1220 N Street, Suite 422 Sacramento, CA 95814 Questions

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