Certification Program Introduction

The certification program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in consultation with the State Conservation Commission. The program certifies nutrient management specialists to write and review nutrient management plans which meet the requirements of the Nutrient Management Law, Act 38.

Education Program Introduction

This component of the nutrient management program is coordinated by the PA Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the State Conservation Commission, Penn State Cooperative Extension, PA Department of Environmental Protection and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. The education program provides opportunities for nutrient management specialists to attend mandatory certification courses as well as a variety of other courses and workshops focused on nutrient management topics.

Financial Assistance Programs

Several financial assistance programs are available under the Nutrient Management Act for the development of or implementation of an approved Act 6 nutrient management plan. These programs provide funding in the form of grants to offset the cost of nutrient management plan development and grants or low interest loans for the implementation of best management practices identified in an approved nutrient management plan. An agricultural operation must have existed prior to October 1, 2006 to qualify for funding. The PA Department of Agriculture assists the State Conservation Commission in the administration of these programs.

Nutrient Management Specialist Directory

This listing is used as a resource to help farmers locate nutrient management specialists that are willing to write nutrient management plans in their county. Contact information for certified commercial nutrient management specialists is included in the listing.

Continuing Education Course Calendar

This is a calendar of upcoming trainings that have been approved for nutrient management Continuing Education Credits (CECs). These courses will help satisfy the CEC requirements for final certified nutrient management specialists.

Certification Course Calendar

These courses can also be found in the Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management Program Newsletter. This calendar lists mandatory certification courses as well as other nutrient management trainings and workshops.