Technical Assistance

Delta F.A.R.M.'s primary objective is to provide landowners and farm operators with information that will ultimately help them address environmental concerns without reducing profitability. Information is provided through several methods. A major source of information is the Delta F.A.R.M. Program Manual. This document includes basic information on Best Management Practices and Regulatory Laws. The Delta F.A.R.M. Program Manual and other resources can be accessed by clicking HERE. Current environmental issues and news may be found by clicking HERE. If more information is needed, the staff will be happy to provide it upon request. The staff will also make site visits to help members develop plans to address environmental concerns specific to their farming operation.

Documentation of Conservation Efforts

Delta F.A.R.M. evaluates the current non-regulatory conservation efforts of its membership. Each member fills out a questionnaire at the end of each calendar year. Data from the questionnaire is ranked and then entered into a computer with all other Delta F.A.R.M. members to gage the overall environmental stewardship of the region. Individual membership information is never released and immediately discarded after processing. The overall information is used track environmental trends in the region and identify opportunities to improve on-the-farm conservation. The information is also used to educate the consumer public on the efforts being made by the farm community to voluntarily address regional environmental concerns. The overall results of the evaluation are published annual in the Delta F.A.R.M. Environmental Stewardship Report. Both the Evaluation and the most recent Report may be viewed HERE.

A.C.E. Pilot Program

In 2008, the Mississippi Glyphosate Stewardship Coalition established the A.C.E. Pilot Program to recognize the best aerial applicators in Mississippi based on environmental criteria. The goal of the program is to encourage voluntary practices that reduce pesticide drift. All Mississippi licensed aerial applicators qualify for the program. Winners receive a large sign, recognition in regional media outlets, and a substantial cash award. Click HERE to read about this year's winner.

A.C.E. Pilot Program is sponsored by Monsanto, Syngenta, CropLife, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Comprehensive Watershed Restoration Projects

Delta F.A.R.M. has been and is currently involved with several comprehensive watershed restoration projects. Each of the projects have used a systematic approach to unifying local interests, identifying concerns, developing a consensus based plan of action and the ultimate implementation of the plan. The comprehensive and grassroots level approach can be very slow and expensive, but nearly always results in an exceptional outcome for local stakeholders. If you think a comprehensive approach could be used to address environmental concerns in your watershed, contact the Delta F.A.R.M. Staff. You can learn more about the process by reading about the Bee Lake, Steele Bayou and Wolf Lake watershed projects listed in the MAJOR PROJECTS section of the website.

Awards & Recognition Programs

Delta F.A.R.M. recognized those who do their part to conserve the natural resources of Northwest Mississippi. Three different recognition systems are used:

• A.C.E. Pilot Program awards the top 5 aerial applicator each year for exceptional pesticide and drift stewardship.
• Each Delta F.A.R.M. member who scores 90% or higher on the annual Evaluation receives an Environmental Stewardship Award at the annual organizational meeting.
• Every member of Delta F.A.R.M. who wishes to be recognized for their environmental efforts can receive a Delta F.A.R.M. sign that includes their business name.