§304. Master farmer certification
A. The commissioner of agriculture and forestry may certify individuals as master
farmers in accordance with this Section. Each individual must successfully complete a
master farmer certification program and have implemented an individual comprehensive soil
and water conservation plan that meets the standards and specifications of the United States
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation Service, the Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and the affected soil and water conservation district.
B. The commissioner may adopt rules and regulations setting out the requirements
for obtaining a certification. The curriculum shall be established by the Louisiana State
University AgCenter. The Louisiana State University AgCenter may consult with other
agencies and organizations as needed, including but not limited to the Department of
Environmental Quality, the Department of Conservation and Energy, Louisiana Farm
Bureau, the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, and the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The curriculum shall
include but is not limited to the instruction on environmental issues in agriculture, nonpoint
source pollution, best management and conservation practices, soil and water quality
monitoring demonstrations, and development and implementation of an individual
comprehensive soil and water conservation plan.
C. Any individual who has received a master farmer certification shall be presumed
to be in compliance with state soil and water quality requirements as long as certification is
maintained. The master farmer certification shall continue as long as the individual actively
maintains his specific comprehensive conservation plan in accordance with best management
practices.
Acts 2003, No. 145, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2023, No.
150, §1, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.