What is a Poultry EMS?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a voluntary, flexible procedure designed to improve and/or document the way you manage your operation. It results in a continuous improvement cycle which insures that your operation is always moving forward with respect to environmental and financial issues. You will be able to decide on the pace, scope, and priority of the changes to be made to your operation.

        

Click HERE to view and/or download a PDF booklet that describes the EMS process, as well as producer and agency comments about Agricultural EMS's.

Origins of the Project?

This multi-state, multi-year project was developed as the result of the funding through a USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS)Year2000 Grant, and additionally is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency Non-Point Source Control Branch, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Virginia was selected as one of three states to develop and pilot-test an EMS customized for poultry operations. Eight other states are also examining alternative EMS materials and methods for poultry, dairy, and beef operations. The national project homepage, Partnerships for Livestock Environmental Management Systems can be found at: www.uwex.edu/AgEMS/livestock/index.html

Benefits of an EMS System

Before you conclude that you are too busy to implement a new management procedure, consider some of the benefits that may be obtained by choosing to adopt an EMS:

Increases your chances of "smooth sailing" through your VPA Poultry permit inspection by VA DEQ
Improves relations with neighbors
Increases the "bottom line" of your operation
Documents your operation's commitment to environmental quality
Allows for public recognition
And best of all, it places YOU in charge of improving your farm's environmental performance