Understanding of BMPs

Agricultural BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions that agricultural producers can take to reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and other pollutants entering our water resources.  Implementing BMPs benefits both the farmer and the environment, and demonstrates Agriculture’s commitment to water resource protection.

For more information on BMPs, see the FDACS Office of Ag Water Policy website: www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com

Key Points

• Systems of BMPs must comprehenhensively address the pollution problem.
• No single "best" BMP system to control a particular pollutant exists. Rather the BMP system should be determined based on the pollutant and its source, the agriculture, climatic and environmental conditions and the economic state.
• System of BMPs can be designed to reduce the amount of pollutant, retard the transport of the pollutant, or remediate the pollutant.
• Systems of BMPs can be measured for their effectiveness in reducing agricultural nonpoint source pollution.
• For maximum effectiveness, BMP systems must be selected correctly and placed in the critical pollutant source areas. The extent of land treatment must be sufficient to achieve water quality improvements.