What is a Core Discovery Farm?
Core Farms are long term studies that begin with baseline water quality monitoring to identify a farm’s impact on the environment. Farms are selected for the program by the Discovery Farms Steering Committee. After selecting a farm, the staff works to find funding for the installation of monitoring equipment. Baseline monitoring is designed to identify the impacts of the farming system on the environment. Best management practices are identified based on the results of the baseline monitoring program. Farmers agree to work with the program for a period of 5-7 years which provides adequate time for identification of concerns and the evaluation of effectiveness of best management practices.
