§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 Energy and Natural Resources, 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.