What is a Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP)?

• A. A nutrient management plan that must be created by the farm operator, with no state guidelines.
• B. A plan for composting and soil reuse at the farm.
• C. A nutrient management plan that can be based on guidelines provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture or equivalent approved documents.
• D. A plan for labeling fertilizer products.

Answer: (C)

A VNMP is a plan you choose to develop voluntarily to manage how you apply nutrients on your farm, with the goal of protecting soil and water while meeting crop needs. It isn’t required by law, but it can follow established guidance so you’re using recognized standards for when, how much, and where to apply fertilizers. The important part is that you’re using a plan that aligns with guidelines provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture or other approved documents. This “or equivalent approved documents” phrase means you can adopt similar, officially accepted frameworks, not just one specific set of guidelines.

That’s why this option is the best fit: it reflects a voluntary nutrient management approach that can be built around state-provided guidance or other approved standards. The other ideas don’t describe a VNMP: it’s not simply about composting or soil reuse, and it’s not about labeling fertilizer products.