LAC 7:XLI.303. Application for Master Farmer Certification

A. The following individuals are eligible to apply to become a master farmer: 1. an individual who owns and operates one or more farms in his own name or through a legal entity in which the individual owns a controlling interest; 2. an individual who operates one or more farms on land leased by him or her; 3. an individual who manages or operates one or more farms for a legal entity in which the individual does not own a controlling interest. B. An eligible individual may apply to the commissioner for certification as a master farmer if the individual has successfully completed the master farmer curriculum established by the LSU AgCenter, attended a model farm field day sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, and has implemented a resource management system plan for at least one farm. C. An applicant who manages or operates one or more farms for a legal entity in which the individual does not own a controlling interest will be considered to have implemented a resource management system plan if the owner of the farm implements such a plan. D. Each application shall be made in writing on a form approved by the commissioner and shall be accompanied by: 1. a document from the LSU AgCenter showing successful completion of the master farmer certification curriculum established by the LSU AgCenter; 2. a document from the LSU AgCenter showing attendance at a model farm field day sponsored by the LSU AgCenter; and 3. a document from NRCS or the department showing that a resource management system plan has been implemented for a farm; 4. a statement by the applicant that he or she agrees to attend at least six hours a year of continuing education approved by the LSU AgCenter or (and) the department during the time he or she holds a master farmer certification; 5. a statement by the applicant that he or she agrees to develop, implement and maintain, in accordance with these regulations, a resource management system plan for all farms the applicant owns, operates, or manages.