SERF Certified
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Biodiversity
Protect and promote biodiversity. Performance measures include
protecting natural features, water ways, fish and wildlife
habitat and ensure that workers and equipment minimize harm
to biodiversity.
Soil
and Water Resources
Actively involved in long-term conservation of soil and
water resources. Performance measures include utilizing
soil erosion prevention practices and implementing protective
measures to mitigate potential negative impact of farm activities
on water quality.
Integrated
Pest Management (IPM)
Utilizes appropriate IPM techniques to control insects,
weeds, diseases and other pests. Performance measures include
training in IPM systems and providing evidence of utilizing
IPM in decisions and actions.
Health
and Safety
Create a safe environment for all workers. Performance measures
include health and safety training for employees. Risks
on the farm are evaluated and training practices are updated
to reduce risks.
Community
and Consumer Relations
Active in the community and with industry groups in fostering
farm stewardship and environmental education. Performance
measures include involvement with community and industry
organizations to preserve, protect and conserve natural
resources. Promote environmental and sustainability education. |
About SERF
SERF is an innovative certification tool for Christmas tree farmers.
A certified farm supports a balanced economic, social and
environmentally sustainable Christmas tree operation. Each
farm develops a Sustainability Plan detailing activities in
five performance areas. The farm must demonstrate via an inspection
program conducted by the state agricultural department that
the plan is being used, updated and followed in all phases
of operations.
Why Buy a Real Christmas Tree?
Farm land is essential to our lives, providing
oxygen, clean water, shelter, fuel and food. Grown on sustainable
farms, real trees are cultivated just like produce, nuts or
other crops, meaning they do not threaten natural forests
– a common misconception. Additionally, real Christmas
trees are renewable and growers plant one or more to replace
every tree they harvest. Real trees can also be 100% recycled
and turned into mulch or compost, so no waste goes into landfills.
Why Buy a SERF Certified
Tree
When
a Christmas tree farm meets SERF certification standards,
they earn the right to display the SERF logo on their trees
and/or promotional materials. That way, when consumers see
the SERF logo, they know that it has come from a farm that
has met rigorous standards for protecting land, water, communities
and wildlife.
“People
can feel good about
purchasing real trees because
they help reduce carbon emissions
by absorbing carbon dioxide
and producing oxygen,
which benefits people, plants
and the environment.”
___________
Mike Bondi,
Professor and Extension Faculty
Oregon State University’s College of Forestry |
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