top of page
Anchor 1
GET CERTIFIED AS A

River Friendly Farm

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Applications are accepted year-round. The certification process typically takes between two and six months to complete. North Jersey RC&D service area: Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties in NJ:    Contact North Jersey RC&D staff


1. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

The River Friendly Farm Certification evaluates farms based on the techniques and practices employed in five categories:  

 

  • Soil Health

  • Nutrient Management

  • Pest Management

  • Farmstead Management

  • Waterway Protection and Water Conservation

 

Applicants apply online OR complete a paper version of the River Friendly Farm Application Form. 

 

Please contact your local Partner organization above to:

1) express your interest in the certification,

2) ensure submission of your application, and

3) ask any questions you may have.

Complete an online application

2. RFF CERTIFIERS REVIEW APPLICATION

River Friendly Farm Certification Agents will review your application. If needed, they may contact you to ask for additional clarification or information.

3. CERTIFICATION VISIT

If the certifier deems your farm ready for a certification visit, the certifier will coordinate with you for an on-site visit to check the compliance of your systems and practices with the River Friendly Farm Certification standards.

  • During the on-site visit, the certification agent will discuss your application in-depth and tour your farm to ensure all relevant criteria are met. 

  • Farm visits typically take between 2 to 4 hours.

4. CERTIFICATION DECISION

Approved certifying agents, in coordination with the local certification committee, will make the final decision to approve or deny the certification.

  • If the decision is to deny certification, the agent will provide a written explanation outlining what changes would need to be made or practices installed in order for the certification to be considered for approval at a later point.  In addition, agents will suggest any cost-share program, grants or other resources to guide conservation improvements.  

5. AWARDED CERTIFICATION

Once your River Friendly Farm Certification is approved, you will receive a letter from the local certification committee. Your farm information will then be uploaded to the River Friendly Farm website. Farms will receive the River Friendly Certified™ logo to be displayed on the farm website and any farm products.

 

In addition, your farm will receive a River Friendly Farm Certificate and Metal Sign to be awarded at a time of the applicant's choosing.

6. CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE

Recertification occurs every year online. Spot checks occur once every 5 years.

COST AND FEES

River Friendly Farm Certification costs $500 for the certification visit. However, thanks to generous grant funding, we can offer the certification for free to producers within certain watersheds of northern and central New Jersey and in the Cumberland River Basin. Please reach out to see if you are within one of these areas.

 

 

 

bottom of page