The Arkansas Agricultural Consultants Licensing Program ensures agricultural professionals are licensed to provide expert advice on crop management, pest control, soil fertility, lime, and more. This program helps protect and support Arkansas’s agricultural industry.

The AR Agricultural Consultants Program is authorized by the Arkansas Agricultural Consultants Licensing Act of 1987, as amended by Act 857 of 2005.

For questions, email [email protected] or call (501) 219-6350.

CURRENT LICENSED AR AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT LICENSEE LIST

ELEGIBILITY FOR LICENSURE

To apply, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree: In crop-related field, plus two years of crop management experience
  • Must provide transcripts/degree from college or university
• Work Experience: Seven continuous years’ experience under a licensed agricultural consultant
  • Must provide signed letter from licensed AR consultant attesting to your 7 years’ continuous experience
• Current CCA or NAICC Member: Current members of either organization
  • Must provide CCA or NAICC Number

All applicants must pass the Agricultural Consultant Licensing Test offered by the Department’s QCC Section or the CCA.

LAWS & RULES FOR AGRI CONSULTANTS

The Arkansas General Assembly aimed to give agricultural producers the freedom to choose their advisors. Additionally, they established a licensure mechanism to ensure the public that licensed consultants meet the qualifications set by state law (A.C.A. § 17-13-101 et seq.).   

AR Agricultural Consultant Rules & the Law

• Licensing Requirement: Any person charging a fee for agricultural consulting services in Arkansas must obtain a license. Non-fee-based consulting can also be licensed if they meet eligibility criteria. Forestry consultants are excluded from this program.
• Unlicensed Fines: Providing consulting services without a license can result in fines up to $1,000.
• Promotional Compensation: Licensed consultants cannot accept more than $200 from any person or entity for recommending or promoting a specific product. This does not apply to compensation for agricultural research. Violations may lead to enforcement actions.

APPLICATION FORM

To apply for an Arkansas Agricultural Consultant License:  

• New Applicants: Submit the AR AGRI CONSULTANT APPLICATION FORM posted below. New applicants must meet eligibility requirements. If necessary, the Department will contact you to schedule to take the agricultural consultant certification test after this form is submitted.  
• Renewal Licensees: Submit the AR AGRI CONSULTANT APPLICATION FORM posted below. Renewal applicants must have completed 40 CEUs every two years, with 20 CEUs obtained in Arkansas. This is not required for newer consultants within their first or second year of licensure.

AR AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT APPLICATION FORM

CONSULTANT CERTIFICATION PORTAL

Licensed consultants must complete 40 CEUs every two years, with 20 CEUs obtained in Arkansas. The Department has developed an online portal for licensees to track and log CEU hours:

To create an account in the AR Consultant Certification Portal:

AR CONSULTANT CERTIFICATION PORTAL

1. Click the link above and click “Register New Account.”
2. Fill-in all required fields marked with *.
3. Verify all entered information is correct, including email and password.
4. Click the confirmation link sent to your email to complete registration.
5. If you are a new consultant, you will be prompted by staff to create an account in this portal via email.

For available classes, visit the RESOURCES & ADDITIONAL LINKS section below.

PROGRAM LICENSING FEE

• Annual Cost for Licensure: $100.00

ONLINE PAYMENTS PORTAL

Online Payment Portal Instructions:

1. Complete all fields in the payment portal, ensuring your name matches the name on your submitted application. Make sure no information is left blank.
2. When prompted to search for a product, enter “CONSULTANT.”
3. Select the AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT’S LICENSE APPLICATION feeline. Set the quantity to one (1).
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click “update,” and verify the Total Amount.
5. Click “Pay” and enter your Card/Billing Information. 
6. Retain the payment confirmation information with your files. You may be asked to provide a Receipt or Confirmation Number.

RESOURCES & ADDITIONAL LINKS

Study Materials:

• Soil Fertility Manual (The Fertilizer Institute)
• The Fertilizer Institute (All Products)
• AR Wheat Production Handbook (UADA)
• AR Corn Production Handbook (UADA)
• AR Grain Sorghum Production Handbook (UADA)
• AR Rice Production Handbook (UADA)
• AR Soybean Production Handbook (UADA)
• All UADA Publications Webpage
• Certified Crop Adviser – Exam Study Materials
• NAICC Academy

Continuing Education & Meetings:

• Winter Row Crop Production Meetings (UADA)
• Find your Local County UADA Cooperative Extension Office
• Certified Crop Adviser – Meetings & Calendar
• Certified Crop Adviser – Access On-Demand CEU Courses and Live Webinars
• NAICC Meetings
• Arkansas Agricultural Consultants Association
• Arkansas Crop Protection Association

Email questions to [email protected]