Certification

The landowner or manager, with the support of the FFF program staff, attends the certification. The certification agencies review the Farm Conservation Plan and its implementation timeline with the grower. The team then inspects the property to confirm the accuracy of the Plan and identified BMPs and projects.

Once certified, the landowner or manager receives a letter from each agency recognizing their achievement in environmental land management, water quality improvement and habitat protection. Each site is re-certified every 5 years. Recertification reviews the farmer’s progress in implementing the actions designated in the Farm Plan and the overall conditions of the site.

Farm conservation plan certification

One or more of the following agencies certify the Farm Conservation Plan: National Marine Fisheries Service, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the County Agricultural Commissioner.
Congressman Mike Thompson at 2007 awards ceremony

"The program is really a win-win for everyone concerned about our future. These are visionary farmers who recognize that bringing back the once-abundant species is not only good for our environment, but also good for our economy." - Congressman Mike Thompson