According to the requirements set forth by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a producer or landowner must complete all phases of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program in order to receive certification. Each phase may be completed at any time and in any order, with all phases documented and verified by Louisiana Master Farmer Program faculty and all program partners. To begin the certification process, each producer must fill out a registration form with all of their farming information at a Phase 1 classroom training, then sign in at a Phase 2 field day event to receive credit. Completion of Phase 3 includes contacting a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service field office to begin the process of developing and implementing a Resource Management System (RMS) level conservation plan on the entire farming operation. When all phases are complete and requirements met, they can apply for certification through their local NRCS district office. Once approved, the Commissioner of Agriculture and all program partners will present the producer with an official certification plaque and metal sign signifying the producer and land are certified for five years.

Once certified, six hours of continuing education credits are required to be submitted per year (to maintain certification). After the five-year certification has expired, the producer must voluntarily request to be re-certified and update their RMS conservation plan through the local NRCS office.

To further recognize the time, effort, and dedication that goes into becoming certified, a new Certified Master Farmer logo has been created for use in new certification signs, social media, online, and printed materials. This new logo will become synonymous with the recognition of a certified Master Farmer.

To join the more than 381 producers who have been certified or re-certified since 2006, visit the home page for more specific information on upcoming trainings and events.