County farms can now be “green certified” and recognized for meeting State and local environmental standards.

The State of Wisconsin has formally adopted agricultural “performance standards” for runoff control. These standards are beneficial to farm operators and to the nonfarm public because they serve to clarify acceptable levels of management.

Not all standards apply to every farm. The type of farm operation and its location determine which standards apply.

We now cooperate with local farm organizations to offer a voluntary farm evaluation and certification program. The evaluation service is available to allow producers to determine which of the runoff standards apply to their farm, and whether performance standards are currently met.

Operators who participate in the farm evaluation and certification project receive priority for technical services and public cost-share grants administered through the Chippewa County Land Conservation Committee.

An initial review of conservation work done in the County suggest that the majority of farms currently meet the new State performance standards