Information about Nutrient Management Training Courses

We are updating this page to reflect current regulations.

Information on this page about regulations under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and the Environmental Protection Act is out of date. On September 18, 2009 new regulations affecting those applying non-agricultural source materials on agricultural lands were filed. Please visit www.ontario.ca/nasm-omafra for more information.

The information contained in this document is derived from the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and O. Reg 267/03 as amended. Every effort has been made to make it as accurate as possible, but it is not authoritative. Please refer to www.e-laws.gov.on.ca or the official volumes printed by Publications Ontario for the authoritative text of the Act.

1. Introduction
2. Introduction to Nutrient Management (beginning January 2008)
3. Regulation and Protocols
4. Developing a Nutrient Management Strategy and Plan Using NMAN
5. Broker's Certificate Course
6. Land Application Business Owner's Licence Course
7. Nutrient Technician Application Licence Course
   

Introduction

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs offers a broad range of training courses to provide information on nutrient management and the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA), Regulation and Protocols. The following is a list of training courses, including prerequisite requirements. We offer courses on a rotating schedule at locations across the province.

For dates and times of scheduled courses, visit www.ontario.ca/omafra, click on "Agriculture," then "Nutrient Management Information," and then "Certification and Training." To register for an upcoming course, call the Nutrient Management Toll-Free Information Line at 1-866-242-4460. Courses are available in English and French.

Introduction to Nutrient Management (beginning January 2008)

This course outlines the basic agronomic principles that are embedded in the Nutrient Management Act and Regulations. We highly recommend attending this course, before taking the Regulation and Protocols course.

You will be given information on:

• Situations, characteristics and practices that could contribute to nutrient loss and environmental damage
• How to recognize opportunities to maximize the use of the prescribed materials generated on-farm
• How to use Best Management Practices that can reduce nutrient loss and maximize crop uptake of nutrients
• Define key terms and practices such as the N-Index, P-Index, red flags, and nutrient loss
• How to use the knowledge shared in the course on farm operations and in the preparation of nutrient management strategies and plans.

This course is required for the Agricultural Operation Strategy or Plan Development Certificate and the Agricultural Operation Planning Certificate.

See Course Schedule

Regulation and Protocols

This course is designed for farmers and consultants. It helps you understand your obligation under the Nutrient Management Act, Regulation and Protocols and how they relate to a Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) and a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).

This course is a requirement for the Agricultural Operations Strategy and Plan Development Certificate, and the Agricultural Operation Planning Certificate.

You have two options for taking this training:

Option 1 - Regulation and Protocols Course - Online version

The Nutrient Management Act, Regulation and Protocols course is available online in English and French. The online course is equivalent to the in-class course, but allows you to work through the information at your own pace. It gives you an overview of the Nutrient Management Act, including key definitions and requirements of the Act, Regulation and Protocols. You are also given tools to create your own Nutrient Management Strategy and/or Nutrient Management Plan.

Upon completion of the online Regulation and Protocols course, you will be required to take the online quiz and obtain a score of 70%. Participants are given three attempts at successful completion of the final quiz. If, after three attempts 70% is not obtained, the participant must contact the Nutrient Management Information Line to reactivate your access to retake the course.

The course has specific technology requirements. To participate in this course, we recommend you have a minimum 56K internet connection. Once you are connected, the course is viewable through a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Firefox. You should also have access to a printer.

The cost of the online course is the same as the classroom course.

Option 2 - Regulation and Protocols Course - In-class version

This classroom course is delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and is offered on a seasonal basis. To register for courses, call the Nutrient Management Information Line.

See Course Schedule

Developing a Nutrient Management Strategy and Plan Using NMAN

In this hands-on course, instructors guide you through the steps of developing a NMS and NMP - using NMAN software specifically designed for this purpose. This course covers:

• What is contained in a NMS/P
• How to read and use a NMS/P on-farm (whether prepared by themselves or by a consultant)
• An overview of the practical tools required to prepare a NMS/P, and
• How to use NMAN software for NMS/P preparation, and as a recordkeeping tool

NMAN software is provided to all participants (basic computer knowledge is required). This course is a requirement for the Agricultural Operations Strategy and Plan Development Certificate. We highly recommend this course for farmers preparing their own nutrient management strategies and plans.

See Course Schedule

Broker's Certificate Course

This course helps you get familiar with the NMA, Regulation and Protocols and examines how the NMA directly affects broking operations. (Brokers are individuals or businesses that transport, haul or store prescribed materials in the course of their business operations.)

This course is a requirement for obtaining a Broker Certificate. A Broker Certificate is mandatory for brokers who deal with farm operations subject to Ontario Regulation 267/03 under the NMA. Note: this course also constitutes day one of the Land Application Business Owner's Licence Course.

See Course Schedule

Land Application Business Owner's Licence Course

This course helps you become familiar with the NMA, Regulation and Protocols, and examines how the NMA directly affects a custom applicator business. This course is required for obtaining a Prescribed Materials Business Application Licence. This licence is required for owners/managers of a land application business that deal with farm operations subject to Ontario Regulation 267/03 under the NMA. Note: the first day of this two-day course is the same as the Broker's Certificate Course.

See Course Schedule

Nutrient Application Technician Licence Course

This course is a requirement for people applying nutrients to land on farms that are phased-in under the Nutrient Management Act and require a nutrient management plan.

This course consists of a DVD/video and associated workbook that outlines the regulatory requirements and Best Management Practices for people who apply agricultural source materials, non-agricultural source materials and commercial fertilizer to land. Course materials must be delivered by a qualified trainer. There are two options for taking this training:

Option 1 - completed at the workplace with a qualified representative. A qualified representative is someone who holds a valid "Prescribed Materials Application Business Licence", and has day-to-day managerial responsibility for field operations and has extensive knowledge of the company's standard business and operating practices. Materials for training at the workplace can be ordered through the Nutrient Management Information Line.

Option 2 - Classroom course delivered by OMAFRA. A limited number of courses will be offered on a seasonal basis. To register for courses, call the Nutrient Management Information Line.

See Course Schedule