Farmers to be recognized for environmental stewardship

(Gainesville, Fla.) - Santa Fe River Basin farm producers involved in the Suwannee River Partnership CARES program will receive awards for their exceptional environmental stewardship at Marc DeChamplain’s Heaven’s Gate Farm in Gilchrist County on Oct. 30.

CARES – the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship – was initiated by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership to highlight efforts by farm owners to improve natural resource management in the Suwannee River Basin. The partnership includes more than 50 local, regional, state and federal agencies, research institutions, industry associations, businesses and conservation groups.

Farm owners who have met verifiable standards of excellence in resource management receive a CARES designation and earn the privilege of posting a sign on their properties identifying them as award winners for their good work. The dinner later this month will recognize those efforts.

One of the keys to the success of the program involves site visits by public officials who assess the implementation of state-of-the-art resource management techniques, or Best Management Practices, at the farm property.

“Farmers have long been good stewards of the land,” Andrew Walmsley, environmental services coordinator for Florida Farm Bureau said. “Now with new information and technology available, farmers are able to be even more proactive when it comes to protecting the environment.”

Walmsley said it is important to recognize those involved in the CARES program for their role in maintaining Florida’s natural resources.

Recently, the Florida Legislature granted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services the authority to create the Environmental Stewardship Certification Program (ESCP). The ESCP serves as a vehicle for encouraging incentive-based and cost-share environmental programs throughout the state. The ESCP is a three-part program consisting of quality assurance, education and CARES recognition. Farmers enrolled in the ESCP will implement sound, positive environmental practices while establishing and following environmental management plans that maintain profitability.