FISH FRIENDLY FARMING FOR THE SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA
A new option for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program Compliance in the Delta has been developed. The
Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) Certification Program has received approval from the Central Valley Regional
Water Quality Control Board as an alternative pathway for compliance with the Irrigated Lands
Regulatory Program. This program allows interested farmers to receive recognition for their good
stewardship while also simplifying compliance with the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. Fish Friendly
Farming (FFF) is a voluntary certification program for farmers who may find value in verifying their good
land stewardship practices and enjoying reduced regulatory paperwork. FFF began in 1997 as a
partnership between scientists and farmers in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Since that time over 200,000 acres on
over 1800 individual farms and ranches have enrolled in the program across ten counties in California.
How does the program work?
Interested farmers enroll in the program and work with FFF staff to schedule a site visit. On the site visit FFF staff will
map features of the farm (fields, ditches etc.) and fill out a farm plan template. The farm plan documents the good land
stewardship practices that warrant certification. The farmer assists with the site visit and completion of the farm plan,
but FFF staff do most of the work. The farmer reviews the plan for accuracy and then the site is ready for certification.
Certifiers including County Agricultural Commissioners, NRCS or possibly RCDs visit the site with the grower and FFF staff
to review the plan. Everyone is working in a collaborative, rather than regulatory, mode.
What are the benefits?
The FFF certification can be used by the farmer in marketing and is widely recognized as an exceptional sustainability
program. FFF worked with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Water Quality Coalitions to
find ways to reduce the regulatory burden for farmers. The FFF Farm Conservation Plan Template is approved as an
alternative for the required farm evaluation, irrigation and nitrogen management plan, sediment and erosion control
plan templates.
Why should Delta farmers be interested?
Delta farmers who are good stewards of their land deserve to be recognized for their efforts. The FFF program is a
private conservation program focused on supporting farmers and improving water quality. Reduced regulatory burdens
also benefit farmers.
What does it cost?
The FFF certification program is available at no cost to farmers. Some funding is also available to implement projects to
improve water quality including: return irrigation flow and drainage water settling basins; reduced irrigation water use
improvements; sediment filtration improvements such as filter strips and vegetated field borders; native vegetation
restoration; lining of canals and drainage ditches, streambank revegetation, berms to manage runoff or discharge water;
culvert and energy dissipater installation or replacement; road storm proofing and others.
How much time does it take?
The FFF program is designed to minimize the time it takes for farmers to become certified. FFF staff complete all maps
and forms. The farmer participates in one 2-hour workshop, the site visit, review of the plan and the certification visit -
total estimated time is about 6-8 hours.
How do I get started or get more information?
Fill out an enrollment form (last page) and email or fax to us at 707 253 1708 or laurelm@fishfriendlyfarming.org.
Call or email Laurel Marcus 707 869 2760 laurelm@fishfriendlyfarming.org or Jack Rice (916) 804-7423
jack@wrstrat.com
