Setting Higher Standards for Helena Consultants

The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program was established in 1992 by the American Society of Agronomy. The purpose of the certification program is to protect both the public and the profession of ag consultants.  There are more than 14,000 CCAs worldwide and over 1,200 CCAs in California and Arizona. All CCAs have undertaken a rigorous training program to achieve certification.

Important benchmarks for the Certified Crop Adviser:

• CCAs are required to pass two comprehensive exams covering nutrient mangement, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop management.
• CCAs are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Ag Science plus two years of crop advising experience, including grower references.
• CCAs sign and adhere to a Code of Ethics, focusing on integrity and grower profitability, while optimizing and protecting natural resources.
• CCAs are required to accumulate at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years, accessing the latest knowledge and technology in our industry.

This certification program serves and supports growers, but there is an additional element of assurance that is important to the employer as well. Of Helena’s 100 plus field consultants in the Western Division, 75% have the CCA credential. That percentage grows higher every year as new hires are brought into the workforce. Helena Agronomy makes a concerted effort to initiate training and certification of the agronomy skills that a crop consultant needs for success. By gaining the CCA credential, Helena’s consultants have demonstrated they have the commitment, education and expertise to make sound agronomic recommendations for our growers. The CCA certification program sets high standards for knowledge, skill and conduct within the field of agronomy – it’s a standard on which both growers and employers depend.

As you read this, if you have yet to obtain your CCA credential, please contact your Helena Area Agronomist. Individual training and support is available. For more information, please refer to the CCA website at www.certifiedcropadviser.org.

- Don Wolf,  Senior Agronomist of Helena's Western Division & Chair of the Central Valley CCA Committee