Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act of 2018

Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act of 2018

This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide alternative certification methods for third-party technical service providers (TSPs). (TSPs provide technical expertise to agricultural producers on behalf of the Department of Agriculture [USDA] Natural Resource Conservation Service to assist in planning and implementing conservation measures.)

USDA must approve certain professional certifications that meet or exceed national criteria and were established by:

• the USDA,
• an agriculture-related retailer,
• a farmer cooperative,
• the American Society of Agronomy, or
• the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants.

A qualified certification includes a certifications as:

• a Certified Crop Advisor by the American Society for Agronomy,
• a Certified Professional Agronomist by the American Society for Agronomy, and
• a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Specialist by USDA.