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What is the CDQAP?
The CDQAP is a voluntary program that allows producers to
become certified in Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare, and Environmental
Stewardship.
Who runs the CDQAP?
The program is a collaborative effort by the dairy industry,
the University of California, and state and federal regulatory agencies. A
committee of dairy industry representatives must approve all program activities.
Who is eligible to become certified?
Any dairy producer in California can become certified,
regardless of marketing or trade association affiliation. This program is
offered statewide.
Do I have to certify in all three components (animal health, food safety, and
environmental stewardship)?
No. Producers may become certified in any or all components
of this program.
Which components are available?
The environmental stewardship is available now. The animal
health and food safety components will be available for certification in 2001.
Will dairy producers be required to participate in the components of
(CDQAP)?
No. The CDQAP is strictly a voluntary program. No producer is
required to participate.
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How much will this program cost me?
The program's environmental stewardship component has been
funded through various grants and agencies through June 2002.
What do I need to do to be certified in Environmental Stewardship (ES)?
Producers will attend all three classes of the University of
California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) - Environmental Stewardship Short Course
I (ESSC), develop an Environmental Stewardship Farm Management Plan, and
successfully complete an on-site evaluation by a non-regulatory third party.
Who will do the third party evaluations?
Currently, the designated third party evaluator is employed
by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The local milk
inspector will not be used as the third party evaluator. Provisions are being
made to identify other third party evaluators.
Can my dairy field representative certify my facility?
No. Your field representative can be very helpful in helping
you prepare for your on-site evaluation. A third party evaluator can not have a
vested interest in the outcome of the evaluation.
Can the environmental stewardship on-site evaluation hurt me?
No. The evaluation checklist and records involved with the
evaluation will remain on the dairy and are the property of the dairy producer.
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Why should I certify in environmental stewardship?
Certification reassures my neighbors, any passers-by, and me
that my facilities meet Federal, State, and local environmental regulations.
What happens if, during the on site evaluation, deficiencies are identified?
Nothing. You and your evaluator will work together to
determine what actions need to be taken and arrange a date for re-evaluation.
You can always choose to discontinue the certification process. Again, the
program is strictly voluntary.
How does certification help the California dairy industry?
Participation in this program may reduce or eliminate the
need for additional government regulations. It will give trade associations and
the California Milk Advisory Board a positive story to tell and provide evidence
that California dairy producers are working to protect the environment.
Voluntary participation should result in compliance with regulations. This
should prevent situations that result in fines. Additionally, some processors
may choose to use this program as a marketing tool.
How much is this program worth to me?
Knowing that your facility is in compliance with all
environmental regulations is invaluable. However, preliminary estimates indicate
that the cost of hiring private consultants to provide these
instruction/evaluation services would be in excess of $8,000.00 per producer.
Are there other financial benefits?
Already mentioned above is prevention of fines and potential
use by your processor as a marketing tool. In addition, classroom training and
on-site evaluation may identify improvements that could reduce dairy management
costs, minimize disease, and increase production.
Will Participating in the CDQAP eliminate inspections by the EPA?
No. The USEPA can still inspect your dairy
especially if it is of a certain size (1000 head or larger). EPA and the state
often conduct joint inspections of these facilities. The CDQAP evaluation is
your best management tool to prepare for these regulatory inspections.
For further information on classes, you may contact your UCCE
Dairy Advisor or trade association representative.
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