The farmstead is considered to be a single dwelling house with its adjoining agricultural appurtenances, -including yards, storage structures, and other buildings. More than one family may occupy a farmstead.
The Farmstead System targets all Utah farms, regardless of size or commodity. It is the one Environmental Stewardship Certification (ESC) system which is applicable to livestock and all the diverse cropping operations in Utah, including traditional field crops, orchards, vegetable operations, greenhouses and nurseries. The Farmstead System addresses environmental risks of the entire farmstead, from safe handling of fuels to the proper storage of pesticides. It focuses primarily on protecting surface and ground water.
Your local Conservation District can help you complete the risk assessment and provide information about other educational, technical and financial assistance.
Verification
Once a plan to address the risks identified in the assessment has been developed, and immediate risks of groundwater and surface water contamination have been implemented, farmers can contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food to request Cropping System verification (801 538-7120 or sedginton@utah.gov). An Utah ESC certifier will visit the farm to verify that the plan has been implemented and to ensure that the farmer is addressing all applicable environmental risks.
Once a farm is "certified," a farmer can purchase a ESC farm sign, and the farm is eligible for ESC sign rebates, cost-share incentives, tax credits, low-cost lending and reduced liability insurance premiums from participating companies.
In order to maintain ESC verification a farmer must attend a ESC educational session and request a site visit from ESC at least every (5 three) years.