The Agriculture Producer Certification Option (APCO) is a voluntary, three-phase program that reviews the whole farm using the On Farm Assessment and Environmental Review (OFAER), a dairy industry-specific measurement used and recognized nationally.

The resulting detailed, comprehensive evaluation is used by the dairyman to manage his farm in an environmentally responsible way. If concerns are discovered, the farmer works with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in a cooperative manner to resolve any issues.

• Phase 1: The dairy producer opens up his entire operation – not just the portion regulated under law – to review by third-party assessors. The review The producer must address any concerns raised during the assessment process before proceeding through the program.
• Phase 2: The dairy must complete a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).
• Phase 3: A year after approval of the dairy´s CNMP, the dairy must undergo a follow-up evaluation. If this compliance evaluation continues to meet APCO goals, the farm will be awarded APCO certification.

To retain the APCO certification, the dairy must pass an annual environmental audit.

APCO was started in 2002 by the Texas Association of Dairymen, the Texas Cooperative Extension Service, Environmental Management Solutions Inc. and Tarleton Institute for Applied Environmental Research. Cooperating partners include the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Brazos River Authority, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture.

To sign up for APCO, contact the Texas Association of Dairymen.