Impact on the Environment and Biodiversity
In order to lessen and prevent the detrimental impact of the production process on the environment, producers are required to have a written wildlife and conservation action plan.
The purpose of this plan is to identify actions to enhance natural habitats and to promote biodiversity on the site and its surroundings. Producers are not expected to develop this plan for each individual site – participation in a group that has developed a respective plan for the region is sufficient as long as this plan is appropriate for the production process(es). (AF 6.1.1)
The following topics should be included in the action plan:
- Knowledge and implementation of Integrated Pest Management practices
- Nutrient use of crops
- Conservation sites
- Water supplies
- Impact on others
Environmental conservation is the basic responsibility of the producer. He can personally develop the conservation plan, or he may involve a consultant. The important requirement is that the inspector must be able to see that an environmental plan has been established (individual or regional plan) that considers the importance of the environmental issues on the farm. This can include a baseline audit, or a list of priorities that take action to avoid damage and deterioration of habitats, eliminate negative impacts, etc.