Membership Classifications and Benefits

Membership Classifications:There are two major classifications of membership:

 1. A voting Agricultural consultant or Agricultural Advisor class

2. A non-voting Associate class

 1.  Agricultural Consultant or Agricultural Advisor Class:

An “Agricultural Consultant” or “Agricultural Advisor” is one who (as an individual or on behalf of a partnership or corporation), offers independent, objective professional advice in matters relating to agriculture, on a fee for service basis. This class includes four categories of voting membership:

a. Active Member – one who is engaged in the field of providing agricultural consulting or advising services on a fee for service basis, and who meets the requirements for a CAC or CAA.  All new CCAA members are initially accepted into this category.

b. Certified Member – the Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) designation is open to individuals who:

  • are agrologists (members of any provincial Institute of Agrologists or L’Ordre des Agronomes du Quebec) or
  • are certified by other professional bodies regulated by statute and approved by CCAA or
  • hold a graduate degree (Masters or Doctorate) in a discipline and from a university approved by CCAA or
  • are non-Canadian residents holding a Certified Agricultural Consultant ( CAC) Designation, or similar designation, from a consulting agricultural association operating outside of Canada that is approved by the CCAA or
  • have been members of CCAA for a minimum of two years and meet the requirements of certification ( namely , at least 2 references from clients served satisfactorily in a consulting capacity on a fee-for-service basis during the two years and completion of the professional development requirements). The Certified Agricultural Advisor (CAA) designation is open to individuals who do not meet the requirements for a CAC but who hold a degree or diploma or designation or at least 5-years industry experience, have been members of CCAA for two years, and meet accreditation requirements (namely 2 references from clients served satisfactorily in an advising capacity on a fee-for-service basis during the two years and completion of the professional development requirements).

 c. Honorary Member – An individual that has been designated by a majority vote of the Board in recognition of long and distinguished service to CCAA.  Honorary members have all the rights and privileges of their respective Certified Classification except can not hold office.

 d. Retired Member - Available after two years of Certified Membership and open to any person who is or has been a member of the Association and who is fully retired from providing agricultural consulting or advising services on a fee-for-service basis. Such members must use the designation (Retired) behind the CAC or CAA designation and the only description in the roster will be “Retired”. Qualifying members may return to Certified Membership within 5 years of leaving it. To return to Certified Membership from a “Retired” status the member must reapply to the Membership Committee and provide Professional Development records which meet the most recent period. Professional Development requirement in place for Certified Members.

 e. Sabbatical Status is also available within this class.

 2.  Associate Membership:

One who is not an Agricultural Consultant or Advisor and meets one of the following Criteria:

-          any firm or individual that markets products which benefit the activities in which consultants or advisors engage, or which renders a technical service in connection with the sale of such a product or any individual or business of any nature that wishes to support financially and promote the Association.

-          A full time post secondary student may be granted an Associate membership which can be held for up to 3 years or until they are able to qualify in the appropriate membership category. An additional 2 years may be authorized.

 

The CCAA’s membership year is form January 1 to December 31. An applicant may be accepted as a member at anytime throughout the year. Annual dues are pro-rated for billing purposes by CCAA on a monthly basis to December 31. Membership fees are due upon receipt of application. 

 

 
The  Benefits:

Focusing on a product-service mix of information, marketing and networking, the CCAA offers professional consultants a vast array of benefits to assist in each member’s business to grow and flourish, including:

  • creating networking through national and regional events
  • professional development seminars and information sessions, on a both national and regional level
  • international opportunities, marketing, linkages and contacts
  • representation to government and other organizations
  • online member directory
  • regular email updates on the latest contract and business opportunities
  • business support services
  • promoting member services to agricultural sectors both nationally and internationally
  • distributing quarterly newsletters, dealing with topics such as current industry practices and trends, and professional development
  • the Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) or the Certified Agricultural Advisor (CAA) designation for qualified professional members
  • maintaining Standards of Ethical Conduct
  • group health and life insurance


Networking and Professional Development
Through the CCAA's provincial chapters and annual general meeting, members are provided with many networking and professional development opportunities. Members view professional development as vital to keeping their business skills sharp and to enhance their individual consulting practices. In addition to nationally organized activity, chapters across Canada organize meetings and sponsor professional activities at the local level. Involvement at the local level provides opportunities to develop your skills and to make important professional contacts.

One Voice
The CCAA acts as a collective voice, not only to advocate the profession of agricultural consulting, but also to provide representation to government and other agricultural groups. Potential domestic and international clients are provided with information on how they can obtain and utilize the services of a Certified Agricultural Consultant. The CCAA has negotiated an agreement with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), the official organization for agricultural development in Latin America. The agreement opens the way for CCAA members to broaden their international work experience. A working partnership is also in place with the American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC)and with STEP, an organization targeting international entrepreneur groups.

Professional Certification
By earning the Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) or Certified Agricultural Advisor (CAA) designation you can enhance your knowledge and career opportunities. CAC/CAA certification is rapidly becoming recognized as the national standard of professionalism in agricultural consulting. A CAC/CAA's knowledge, skills and commitment to continuous learning are often considered by clients when awarding contracts. The CAC/CAA designation represents experience, capability and adherence to ethical and professional standards. In fact, the knowledge, skills and commitment associated with the CAC/CAA professional designation are now considered by clients when awarding contracts. The CCAA requires CAC/CAA consultants to participate in at least 32 hours of professional development every 2-year period, to ensure consultants keep up to date with agricultural trends and business practices.

Publications and Information
A quarterly newsletter helps members keep up to date on current practices and trends. Through email, members are alerted to contract opportunities in agricultural consulting on a regular basis. The online Members Directory helps you engage in developing strategic alliances when bidding on large projects. The Directory is also an important tool used by potential clients.

Awards
Excellence is the standard and excellence must be recognized. The Distinguished Consulting Agrologist, Distinguished Agricultural Advisor and Lifetime Achievement awards are bestowed upon deserving candidates on a regular basis.

Standards of Ethical Conduct
Through Standards of Ethical Conduct, the CCAA promotes professional behavior and ethical practice in agricultural consulting. Members are expected to adhere to these guidelines which focus on the provision of services to clients.