By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

Regarded as stewards of the land, Michigan farmers are intensely involved with one of the state’s pioneering environmental initiatives - the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). MAEAP is a voluntary program for farmers encouraging effective land stewardship and works toward compliance with environmental regulations. To date, more than 5,500 Michigan producers have attended MAEAP sponsored educational sessions.

In recent years, commonly used conservation practices have been challenged by a variety of factors, including: an increased number of neighbors, changes in on-farm practices, and improved awareness of how traditional practices could impact surrounding waters. In addition, new regulations and genuine consumer concern regarding the environment continue to have an impact on traditional farming practices. Michigan farmers have taken a proactive approach through MAEAP to guarantee their farms are both sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states. As a result, a one-size-fits-all approach to environmental protection simply does not work on all state farms. MAEAP effectively overcomes this challenge by offering three areas of concentration or “systems” - Livestock, Farmstead, and Cropping. Each system focuses on a different aspect of a farming operation. Producers can become verified in all systems applicable for their farms - regardless of farm size or commodity.

In addition to robust educational requirements, producers are required to work with trained consultants and technicians to establish environmental goals and address identified risks. Following completion of a farm-specific risk assessment, and implementing any required corrective actions, farmers may request a third-party objective review by MDA.

MDA verifies the educational and risk assessment requirements have been met, the farm is in conformance with Michigan’s Right to Farm Generally Accepted Practices, and the practices in place adequately address environmental risks. The farm is then “verified” and the farmer is eligible to install a sign to recognizing this outstanding accomplishment to the community and consumers.

Currently, there are more than 500 farms that are MAEAP verified. Each continues to demonstrate sound environmental practices to protect Michigan’s vast natural resources while building positive neighbor and community relations.

MAEAP’s science-based standards allow farmers to address environmental concerns while remaining economically viable and protecting the environment while contributing to the economy. Michigan’s MAEAP-verified farms are proud of their environmental accomplishments.

MAEAP is a coalition of agricultural producers, commodity organizations, state and federal agencies, Michigan State University and conservation groups and is located at MDA headquarters in Lansing.