Through the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative, growers can receive continuing education (CE) credit hours that count towards self-certification renewal.  

Growers in the San Joaquin Valley must complete Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plans (INMPs). To be eligible to self-certify Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plan Worksheets, Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training Program participants must complete 3 hours of CE credits within the 3-year eligibility period through one of several programs supported by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. 

Starting in October 2024, growers in the San Joaquin Valley who participate in the Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training Program can receive CE credits to renew their self-certification from the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative through on-farm consultations. Growers can receive 1 hour of CE credit per year through on-farm consultations. 

To receive CE credits, contact your local UCCE Advisor who is part of the NII program to verify program eligibility. Eligible growers must be enrolled in the Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training Program and have not previously received credit through a consultation in the calendar year. 

Upon completion of an NII consultation, UCCE Advisors and staff will submit information to FREP on behalf of the grower. FREP staff will send a Certificate of Course Completion once we have processed their information from the case log. Participants can expect to receive the certificate via email within a month. If they have any questions, they can reach out directly to FREP by emailing FREP@cdfa.ca.gov.