Farm*A*Syst is a partnership between government agencies and private business that enables you to prevent pollution on farms and in homes using confidential environmental assessments.

Farm*A*Syst can help you determine what risks -- whether from livestock waste disposal, pesticide management or petroleum storage -- could threaten your family's health and financial security. A system of step-by-step fact sheets and worksheets helps you to identify the behaviors and practices that are creating those risks.

All information you gather is confidential. You decide what changes you need to make and when to make them. Some of the issues that Farm*A*Syst can help you address include:

• Quality of well water, new wells and abandoned wells
• Livestock waste storage
• Storage and handling of petroleum products
• Managing hazardous wastes
• Nutrient management

Because Farm*A*Syst is a voluntary program, you decide whether to assess your property on your own, or if you want additional technical advice from your local government agencies or businesses. Since 1991, thousands of farmers and ranchers throughout the country have used Farm*A*Syst. The program has been recognized Nationally and internationally for its common-sense approach to managing environmental risks.

Whether you grow soybeans or corn, raise cattle or chickens, manage 100 acres or 1,000 acres, Farm*A*Syst is the program to get you started.

For more information about Farm*A*Syst go to the national F*A*S site

Vermont's Farm*A*Syst program is supported by the Vermont Natural Resources Conservation Districts, Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Health, UVM Extension System, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Cooperative Extension and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Nonpoint Source Management Program Section 319 grant to the Vermont Natural Resources Conservation Council.