Ag Water Quality Program
The SCCFB's Ag Water Quality Program exists to help farmers and ranchers protect the environment and water quality. The program includes education, workshops, and professional assistance in writing the new Farm Water Quality Plans required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
To date, more than 150 farmers have taken classes through the Farm Bureau's program. They have also written Farm Plans covering more than 33,000 acres in the Santa Clara Valley.
The Ag Water Quality Program recently received the highest environmental award in the state, the Governor's Environmental Leadership Award.
Services offered- Up to date information on current and proposed water quality regulations affecting our county
- Assistance completing regulatory forms (NOIs, etc) and/or answering questions from the Regional Water Quality Control Board
- Assistance completing farm/ranch water quality plans
- Assistance finding funding for implementing management/ conservation practices that protect water quality (e.g.; buffer strips, solar pumps to facilitate off-stream watering, erosion control projects, hedgerows, etc.)
- Assistance to sign up for free on-farm nutrient and irrigation efficiency evaluations
- Periodic updates on monitoring results in your area
- Watershed working group meetings to identify and implement projects that would improve water quality in your area
- Information on upcoming water quality/monitoring workshops and continuing education opportunities