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| Darren Soto and Mike Bost |
U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., is teaming up with U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., to allow more experts, including Certified Crop Advisors and Certified Agronomists, to act as Technical Service Providers for nutrient management.
Bost and Soto introduced the “Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act” which gives more options for agriculture producers to access nutrient management technical assistance on Thursday.
“Our bipartisan bill cuts red tape and gives our farmers more resources to improve soil quality,” Bost said. “The Department of Agriculture has said that it lacks the manpower to provide technical assistance to farmers trying to implement nutrient management practices. I appreciated working with Rep. Soto on a solution that expands options for farmers seeking technical assistance related to these practices.”
“I’m proud to work with Rep. Bost in support of our nation’s farmers,” Soto said before insisting his proposal will help the Sunshine State. “Currently, in Florida, we only have access to six USDA certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs) for nutrient management – with only four of them actually located in the state. This legislation will help to expand access for our Florida farmers who use fertilizers to obtain professional technical assistance.”
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), Agricultural Retailers Association, Land O’ Lakes, American Society of Agronomy and the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association announced their support of the bill.
“Agribusiness retailers’ commitment to professionalism is evidenced in their decision to employ agronomists who have achieved the CCA or CPA certification,” said Chris Jahn, the president of TFI. “USDA recognition of these agronomists as Technical Service Providers is a win-win for farm profitability and the environment.”
The bill was sent to the House Agriculture Committee on which both Bost and Soto sit. They have not reeled in any additional cosponsors of the legislation yet. So far, there is no counterpart to this bill over in the Senate.
Source Sunshinestatenres.com
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