Does Organic fertilizing require licensing and certification?

[2ndGen.OwnerInProgress]

Does Organic fertilizing require licensing and certification like that of Chemical fertilizing?

[ICT Bill]

Originally Posted by 2ndGen.OwnerInProgress

Does Organic fertilizing require licensing and certification like that of Chemical fertilizing?

There are several professionals that frequent his forum from PA, I'm sure someone will chime in soon. If you are for hire, my assumption is that PA requires a business license. If you apply pesticides I do believe you have to be licensed, but fertilizers ??? I don't think so, synthetic or organic

[Kiril]

Check with your local extension service. Get it from the horses mouth, not some yahoo on a public forum (no offense Bill). Ignore every other post on this subject.

[ICT Bill]

Originally Posted by 2ndGen.OwnerInProgress

Does Organic fertilizing require licensing and certification like that of Chemical fertilizing?

It looks like you do
The Nutrient Management Certification Program certifies specialists to prepare and/or review nutrient management plans to determine compliance with the requirements of Act 6. Requirements for certification and program criteria are explained in detail in the Nutrient Management Certification Program regulations found in PA Code Title 7, Chapter 130b. The following information summarizes program requirements.

Nutrient Management (NM) Specialist Categories
Commercial- a person who develops nutrient management plans for another.
Public - a public employee who reviews nutrient management plans, or recommends approval to a conservation district or the State Conservation Commission.
Individual - a person who develops a nutrient management plan for his or her own agricultural operation.

Certification Requirements
All applicants must attend precertification training, scheduled by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and pass an examination administered by the PDA or its designee.
A Commercial Specialist, in addition to successfully completing precertification training and examination, must prepare three (3) plans which comply with Act 38 requirements. These plans should demonstrate competency in developing plans of a diversified nature.
A Public Specialist, in addition to successfully completing precertification training and examination, must prepare one (1) plan and review two (2) nutrient management plans in compliance with Act 38 requirements. These plans should demonstrate your competency in developing plans of a diversified nature.
An Individual Specialist qualifies for certification after attending precertification training and passing the examination.

Nutrient Management Certification Application
http://panutrientmgmt.cas.psu.edu/appForm.htm

The information came from here http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/a...p?a=3&q=128257

[DeepGreenLawn]

get the licenses and then you won't have to worry about it anymore... I know my licenses were a breeze and didn't cost much...

[2ndGen.OwnerInProgress]

Great info Bill, this answered my question and more. Will now need to see when and where courses are offered. Thanks for the help, all.

[ICT Bill]

Originally Posted by 2ndGen.OwnerInProgress

Great info Bill, this answered my question and more. Will now need to see when and where courses are offered. Thanks for the help, all.

No Problem, I woukl think with the certiifcation in hand you should be worth more money and it will distinguish your self from others

In other words....Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money

[NattyLawn]

You need a license in PA if someone is paying you to apply materials. You need to pass a Core and Category 7 test to get the ball rolling. The tests are offered at different times at your local county extension office. The core test is closed book and more common sense, and the Cat 7 test is open book. Look here for more info:

http://www.pested.psu.edu/applicator...%20Information

It looks like they offer pre-certification courses now.....IMO, the tests aren't difficult.

[2ndGen.OwnerInProgress]

This is EXACTLY the link I needed! Very greatful for your help! On my way to become cert. for NM programs.

[ICT Bill]

Originally Posted by NattyLawn

You need a license in PA if someone is paying you to apply materials. You need to pass a Core and Category 7 test to get the ball rolling. The tests are offered at different times at your local county extension office. The core test is closed book and more common sense, and the Cat 7 test is open book. Look here for more info:

http://www.pested.psu.edu/applicator...%20Information

It looks like they offer pre-certification courses now.....IMO, the tests aren't difficult.

I knew the PA folks would step in, thanks natty