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Penn State farms receive environmental excellence certification

University Park, Pa. -- Five Penn State farms have been recognized for environmental stewardship, receiving the Pennsylvania Environmental Agricultural Conservation Certification of Excellence.

The certification, known as PEACCE, is given by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. The program promotes the use of agricultural practices that enhance responsible environmental stewardship and recognizes agricultural producers who meet the requirements for certification.

All of the facilities recognized are part of the College of Agricultural Sciences and located on or near Penn State's University Park campus. They include the Penn State Horse Farm, the Penn State Beef Complex/Haller Farm, the Penn State Sheep Center, the Penn State Swine Research Center and the Penn State Dairy Research and Education Center.

"Both the public and farmers benefit from the environmental excellence certification process," said Rob Meinen, Penn State extension associate in dairy and animal science. "Pennsylvanians are able to identify farmers in their communities that practice responsible environmental stewardship and know that these farmers are achieving environmental excellence. Farmers benefit from better relations with their neighbors, reduced liability and the ability to be recognized for their efforts to practice agriculture in an environmentally safe manner."

Farmers must successfully complete three program components in order to be certified in environmental excellence by PEACCE. First, they must pass an environmental awareness course provided by Penn State. The course addresses environmental awareness, manure application, odor and emissions, and environmental laws and regulations.

"Second, they must agree to a confidential, comprehensive and objective on-farm environmental assessment of their operations provided free-of-charge," he added. "The assessment report provides recommendations for low-cost measures to reduce an operation's actual or potential impact on the environment. The third component is the on-farm evaluation checklist, for which a representative from the county conservation district and an extension educator visit the farm to verify that it is in compliance with all pertinent state and federal conservation and environmental laws. The farm also must have a current, state-approved nutrient-management plan and conservation plan."

Farmers who become certified by PEACCE receive a Certificate of Excellence and a sign to display on their farm. They must obtain continuing education and have a follow-up evaluation within three years to maintain their certification.

"This effort began in 2001 as a pilot project in Lancaster, Chester and Berks counties," said Meinen. "The Penn State farms join 61 other Pennsylvania farms that have been recognized for environmental excellence. Currently 66 farms in 17 counties have successfully completed all program components and are certified by PEACCE."

Farmers interested in participating in PEACCE can contact Robb Meinen at rjm134@psu.edu or (814) 865-2987.

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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