Water quality trading (WQT) has become a buzz phrase recently. WQT is EPA’s relatively new initiative to help improve the quality in local watersheds by taking advantage of the best management practices that are being implemented on farms located in the same water sheds.
Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) work with growers to implement best agronomic practices that are site specific. They also provide recommendations for inputs that are economically and environmentally friendly. CCAs, over time, have developed a good working knowledge of their clients’ actions and what works best for their business objectives.
One of the keys of a successful WQT program will be the development of positive business relationships between the farmer and municipal water treatment operators. Both are probably not familiar with the other and it might take someone to be the facilitator or broker to initiate the relationship.
That is where a CCA could add value to the relationship. The CCA already knows what is taking place on the farm and how the farm might be able to provide credits to the municipality. The CCA has a working knowledge of the best management practices that have been implemented or could be in the future. The learning process will be understanding what the municipality needs.
Once this is accomplished, however, the CCA could be the facilitator.
There are over 13,000 CCAs throughout the US and Canada represented by 37 local boards. These boards cover all 50 states and 9 Canadian provinces and are comprised of the U.S. and individuals from ag industry, academia and government. CCAs are engaged in their local communities where they live and work.
Each CCA must meet the exam, experience, education and ethics standards set by the program before they are certified. They then must earn 40 hours of continuing education every two years in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop management. Continuing education becomes life-long learning that helps keep a CCA up to date and at their best.
Though WQT is fairly new, CCAs working with growers and their municipality neighbors have the opportunity to forge a new working relationship that improves water quality while adding new alternative revenue for rural communities.
|
