[Image: ldaf]Several state-regulated horticulture professions and two occupations require a license or permit in Louisiana. The horticulture laws of Louisiana (Title 3; Chapter 24) define these regulations and their enforcement through the Horticulture Commission created by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the legislature in 1932. Several horticultural services were first added to their governing responsibility in 1936. Most recently, irrigation contractors in landscapes were added to horticulture regulation in 2004 by the state legislature.
Craig Roussel is the director of Horticulture and Quarantine Programs, which is a section of Ag and Environmental Sciences under the direction of Assistant Commissioner Todd Parker. RS 3:3801 (see PDF link below) details the seats on the Horticulture Commission, and a list of current members is posted on LDAF's Horticulture Commission Web site, although the two ag commissioners and the extension director normally have proxy representation. Dr. Allen Owings is the current proxy for Extension Director and Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil.
This Horticulture Commission of 13 members:
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Governs standards and qualifications
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Administers qualifying examinations
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Administers licenses, fees and fines
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Holds hearings and investigations
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Fights to prevent fraudulent practices in these regulated professions
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Promotes basic and continuing education in their charge
The seven horticultural professions regulated (licensed) in Louisiana are:
1. Arborist (tree work)
2. Retail Florist
3. Wholesale Florist
4. Landscape Horticulturist (recently combined horticulturist and contractor into one)
5. Landscape Architect
6. Utility Arborist
7. Landscape Irrigation Contractor
Two horticultural occupations that require only permits:
1) Nursery Stock Dealer
2) Cut Flower Dealer (single or bunch; not arranged; street vendor, etc.)
No person or business may advertise or receive fees or income from working in a regulated horticultural profession unless the business has appropriate and valid licenses or permits. These licenses and permits are issued by the LDAF. Persons wishing to receive these documents must pay a fee and make application to take an examination ($50) for the license or make application for the permit.
A PDF of the 1) APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION(S), 2) study material orders for each of the test areas and 3) the complete Horticulture Laws for Louisiana with details and definitions, can be found at the LDAF Web site .
More information on regulated horticultural professions and helpful packets are found on LDAF Web site.
Lists of Louisiana-licensed horticulturists, Louisiana producers, horticulture concerns, etc. can be found at LDAF FAQ site.