What is the annual Farm Evaluation Survey & why is it required?
The Farm Evaluation is one of the farm plans required by the Irrigated Lands Waste Discharge Requirements from all coalition members (growers). The Farm Evaluation is intended to be a list of farming practices being used on Central Valley irrigated cropland to protect surface and groundwater, and is a basic checklist for growers to evaluate their property.
Four Main Areas of Interest:
These sections gather management practices and information from growers regarding the following:
- Identification of crops grown and the irrigation acreage of each crop
- Geographical location of the grower’s farm
- Identification of on-farm management practices
- Identification of whether there is movement of soil during storm events and/or during irrigation and the location, if this occurs
- Identification of whether water leaves the property and is conveyed downstream and the location, if this occurs
- Location of active irrigation wells and abandoned wells
- Wellhead protection and back-flow prevention practices and devices
Who is required to complete a Farm Evaluation?
All growers are required to complete the Farm Evaluations using Subwatershed.com that is approved by the Central Valley Water Board Executive Officer for all enrolled parcels. When is the Farm Evaluation Due?The 2018 Farm Evaluation is due via Subwatershed.com on December 9, 2018.