Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding nutrient vouchers and certified farm operators (CFOs)
Q: How do I know if my nutrient voucher is still valid?
A: Each voucher holder should have a card with an expiration date on it, and MDA will also send out expiration notices in the mail.
Q: Can I look up if my nutrient voucher is still valid?
A: There is no online way to look them up, however voucher holders may contact MDA's regional offices or headquarters directly to look up that information or email nminfo.mda@maryland.gov.
Q: Where is the list of voucher training courses?
A: MDA Nutrient Management Training webpage
Q: What should a farmer do when attending nutrient voucher training to ensure his/her voucher is updated?
A: The host of the meeting will have sign-in sheets, make sure you sign in (this includes winter meetings for which voucher certification is offered).
Q: What is a certified farm operator (CFO)?
A: A CFO is a farmer who is certified to write their own nutrient management plan for their operation.
Q: I want to write my own plan, how do I become a CFO?
A: Sign up for a class!
Q: How many nutrient management CEUs do I need to keep my CFO certification valid?
A: You will need 2 credits within the first year, and 6 credits every 3 years thereafter.
Q: How do I know when my CFO certification needs to be renewed?
A: Each CFO should have a card with an expiration date on it, and MDA will also send out renewal notices in the mail.
Q: What do I do when I receive a renewal notice?
A: You will need to report qualifying CEUs that you received over the past 1 year/3 years and send the notice back to MDA. If you are unsure of when you received CEUs, you can contact MDA's regional offices or headquarters to find out. Good recordkeeping is your best bet.
Q: Where can I find out more about Nutrient Management?
A: University of MD Extension Agriculture Nutrient Management Program
To view dates and places for Nutrient Voucher Training or Recertification, click the button below.
FTC and Nutrient Management Voucher Trainings/Meetings
Additional ways to recertify:
- Agricultural Nutrient Management Training Program (MDA). Upcoming available classes that offer credits.
- Additional online webinars (MDA). Print out the quiz before you start watching the program so you can follow along. All your answers must be correct to earn CEUs. Mail the completed quiz no later than 3 business days after you view the program to MDA at the address provided on the quiz. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
