Global Farm Metric

Farm Sustainability Assessment Tool

OAK has begun a US adaptation of the Global Farm Metric (GFM) framework and resulting Farm Sustainability Assessment Tool (FSAT), created by the Sustainable Food Trust. The GFM framework measures social, economic and environmental indicators on farms to assess sustainability across 11 categories.

Based on globally recognized research, OAK staff are adapting this tool by embedding it with measures, benchmark scoring and practices from USDA NRCS, including alignment with COMET-Farm, Environmental Impact Quotient and NRCS Practice Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Carbon Sequestration. The GFM-FSAT establishes a common language, supported by quantitative measures, that enables all stakeholders in food and farming to drive positive change.

 
On December 12, 2022, this project was tentatively awarded a USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities grant to expand this tool and services for Kentucky farmers. We anticipate a spring 2023 launch for this new project and over the next 5 years OAK will work with partners to offer farmer education programs, on-farm technical assistance for commercial farmers using the GFM-FSAT and incentive payments for implemented practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. The project also works with a value chain partners to develop and expand market opportunities for climate verified foods and products.

Additional details to come. If you would like to receive updates about the Organic Association of Kentucky — including its USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities project — please subscribe to our newsletter. For media inquiries, contact Brooke Gentile at [email protected] or (502) 219-7378.

Climate Smart Project Updates