Frequently Asked Questions

How does River-Friendly Farm certification help me?

River-Friendly Farms manage their land in a way that protects water quality. By doing so, these farms are ultimately protecting the water that we use, including drinking water. The River-Friendly best management practices include erosion control, pest management, nutrient management, irrigation water management, and conservation buffers. These practices not only improve the environment, but they also can improve your bottom line. For example, controlling erosion means that the soil will stay in place on your farm where you need it for agricultural production.

What other benefits are there to being River-Friendly Farm Certified?

You will have access to a conservation planner who will work with you at no cost to develop a conservation plan that fits the needs of your farm. With that assistance comes access to funding sources to implement best management practices. Farms in the River-Friendly program have exclusive access to new funding sources. Additionally, once certified you will receive a River-Friendly Farm sign and the ability to market your products as River-Friendly.

How do I know if I am in the River-Friendly target area?

The program is currently available to those farms in the Raritan River, Lockatong, and Wickecheoke Watersheds. Maps are available on the Program Details page. If you are still not sure you can contact the North Jersey RC&D office by calling 908-735-0733 with your location and we can determine if you are in the target area.

What happens if my farm doesn't meet the River-Friendly Criteria?

If your farm does not meet the criteria, planning assistance is provided to help become River-Friendly. Funding to help you implement practices needed is also available. You are not required to implement anything that the conservation planner suggests, the program is 100% voluntary. If the steps needed to become River-Friendly are not feasible to you, then that is where the certification process will end.

How long is the certification good for?

The River-Friendly Certification is good for 4 years. After the first two years the property will be reviewed by the conservation planner. If the operation changes by more than 20% or the ownership changes, the property will need to be re-evaluated.

What happens if I fail to meet the criteria when I am reevaluated?

The applicant may be asked to reapply for the program or be given a grace period to implement the necessary practices to re-certify without re-applying for the program. If the River-Friendly criteria cannot be met then the certification will be revoked and the River-Friendly sign will be removed.

Have more questions? email ajones@northjerseyrcd.org