On behalf of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, we urge the Department to open the Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations [4 VAC 50 ? 85] in order to widen the eligibility requirements for individuals with a 2-year Associates Degree.

If Virginia is to meet our Chesapeake Bay goals, we need qualified planners who carry with them the experience necessary to work with producers to implement plans.  2-year degrees, such as Virginia Tech’s Ag Tech Program, offer the necessary experience and coursework to prepare applicants for their exam.  These students would still be required to prove their knowledge and qualifications by taking the exam and complete the required follow-on continuing education to maintain their certification.  The current regulations create an unnecessary roadblock for these students to be eligible for certification.

The Virginia Agribusiness Council urges the opening of the regulation and that as section be added clearly recognizing a 2-year agriculturally based degree program as meeting the necessary experience requirement for certification.

Thank you,

Kyle Shreve

Executive Director