Certification of nutrient management advisers

Certification of nutrient management advisers – the icing on the cake

The Nutrient Management Adviser Certification process has now been available for six months and has achieved an impressive level of uptake. To date there are more than 40 certified advisers in the field, with another 60 currently in application phase.

Jason Griffin, Ballance Agri-Nutrients key and corporate accounts manager for the lower North Island, described the certification programme as “the icing on the cake” which brings together years of training and experience in nutrient management. He is grateful that the certification programme is available to formalise the level of knowledge and skills involved in effective nutrient management, and to ensure farmers are receiving advice from qualified people.

Likewise, Sue Quilter, Ravensdown key account manager for the East Coast of the North Island said “after 16 years in the field I found the certification process a valuable experience”.

“It gives me more confidence that what is being advised is indeed in line with the latest research and industry standards. Working in an isolated area on the East Coast for so long it’s easy to feel that you’re going down your own track at times, but the certification process was very reassuring for me personally. It’s great to have a stamp of approval for my practice.”

“It certainly wasn’t without its challenges; with a large dairy farming component it required a great deal of learning for someone like me who hasn’t worked with dairy farms for decades, but it was relevant and a good mind broadening experience to understand the latest science and terminology in dairying,” Sue said.

The annual continuing professional development requirements of the certification programme also ensure that knowledge is kept up to date.

“As more and more farmers learn about the certification programme it will become the benchmark and be demanded by them,” said Jason. Sue also pointed out that the certification process provides the reassurance and seamless future proofing necessary to meet evolving council requirements.

Both certified nutrient management advisers agree that the endorsement provided by the certification process is critical in ensuring their clients know that resources are being managed in ways that don’t compromise the environment, that are evidence based, and that, ultimately, provide the best outcomes for farmers.

The Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme is an outcome of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) through DairyNZ and is coordinated by the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand with a range of partners.

ENDS

© Scoop Media