Code of Ethics

The CCAA Standards of Ethical Conduct promote professional behavior and ethical practices in agricultural consulting. Members are expected to adhere to guidelines focusing on the provision of superior consulting services to clients.

A member of the CCAA is distinguished by the independence, objectivity and moral concern by which business affairs are conducted. Upon obtaining the professional designation of Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) OR Certified Agricultural Advisor (CAA), each member is expected to adhere to the CCAA Code of Ethics:

• A member will accept only those engagements he/she is qualified to undertake and which in the light of his/her knowledge and experience, are in the best interests of his/her clients.

• A member must be depended upon to serve his/her clients with true professional honesty; he/she will refuse to serve under terms or conditions that may impair his/her independence, objectivity or integrity.

• A member will not carry out work for two (2) or more competing clients at the same time without their prior knowledge and agreement.

• A member respects and guards as confidential any information obtained from a client which is of a sensitive and confidential nature.

• A member shall not accept or pay fees for referral of clients, nor will he/she accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from persons or companies whose products, equipment or services he/she may recommend to clients during the course of an engagement without full disclosure to the client.

• A member shall always respect the rights of his/her fellow members negotiating for professional work or advancement; he/she may use all honourable means in competition for an assignment.

• A member shall not review the work of a fellow member for a client without notifying that member prior to his/her assignment.

• A member will condemn unethical or illegal conduct by other members and shall report any information or violation of these principles to the Associations’ Committee on Ethics, for proper investigation and action.

• A member shall promote his/her services with professional integrity and proper manner, being careful to avoid inaccuracies or misleading statements.

• A member recognized that the Association’s Code of Professional Ethics signified by a voluntary assumption of the obligation of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of the law. By it he/she strives to uphold the honour and maintain the integrity of his/her profession.