MISSION
To develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. It is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.
To develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. It is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.
Water pollution comes from many sources, and some of it comes from farms. That's why Benzie Conservation District is standing by to help you enroll in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) This program offers assistance and recognition to farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.
This program is free and voluntary. Everything we learn about your farm is 100% confidential. This is guaranteed by state law.
Farmers who earn MAEAP recognition will receive a sign to display on their farm. This sign will show that you are a top steward in your community. You may also benefit from regulatory protections and be at an advantage for additional expert help and cost share. Above all, you will earn an enduring sense of pride and accomplishment for your work.
This program is free and voluntary. Everything we learn about your farm is 100% confidential. This is guaranteed by state law.
Farmers who earn MAEAP recognition will receive a sign to display on their farm. This sign will show that you are a top steward in your community. You may also benefit from regulatory protections and be at an advantage for additional expert help and cost share. Above all, you will earn an enduring sense of pride and accomplishment for your work.
Verification Pays!
Verification pays! By verifying your farm, you show your peers and neighbors that being a steward of the land is important to you.
MAEAP benefits Michigan by:
Verification pays! By verifying your farm, you show your peers and neighbors that being a steward of the land is important to you.
MAEAP benefits Michigan by:
- Protecting natural resources using environmentally sound practices.
- Having emergency plans ready to deal with the unexpected.
- Using proven scientific standards to protect our air, water and soil.
- Maximizing natural fertilizer use and reducing use of fertilizers made from fossil fuels.
- Making good neighbors.
- Helping protect the Great Lakes.
- Ensuring safe storage of fuel, fertilizer and chemicals.
- Balancing efficient production and sound environmental practices.
- Taking care of the land while making a living from the land.
You can earn:
We promise:
MAEAP recognition is:
- Recognition as a top steward in the community
- Regulatory protections
- Preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost share
- An enduring sense of accomplishment and pride
We promise:
- The program is 100% confidential, guaranteed by state law
- We will treat you and your business with respect
- We will help you with the paperwork and red tape
- We will help you leave a legacy for your children
MAEAP recognition is:
- Achievable. Farms have earned more than 5000 verifications across the state
- Something to be proud of. You can be among the top 5% of farms who have earned this designation so far
MAEAP helps farmers adopt cost-effective practices that reduce erosion and runoff into ponds, streams, and rivers. This, in turn, helps farmers comply with state and federal laws. MAEAP is a voluntary program. We recognize and reward top stewards of the land. This is a state program delivered by conservation districts, local leaders you know. MAEAP is open to any Michigan farmer.
There are four categories of recognition: 1) Cropping, 2) Livestock, 3) Farmstead, and 4) Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat.
The program includes four steps:
LEARN
Attend a workshop or schedule a private meeting to learn if MAEAP is right for you. Alternately, you can review educational materials on the MAEAP website at your own pace.
FARM VISIT & RECOMMENDATIONS
Invite a MAEAP technician to tour your farm. This technician will explain the program and recommend practical steps you can take to reduce erosion and runoff into public waters.
Everything the technician learns about your farm will remain confidential and will not be shared with your competition or environmental regulators.
IMPLEMENT
Do the work at your own pace. Our MAEAP technicians are here to help you every step of the way. A technician will help you develop your plan of action, and fill out paperwork. He or she will also steer you to cost share and expert help, if you want.
RECOGNITION
Once the work is complete, you can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. A verifier from MDARD will visit your farm to ensure the recommended practices are in place and address erosion and runoff risks on your land. When the work is done, we will give you a sign to place on your farm and send you a certificate signed by the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
There are four categories of recognition: 1) Cropping, 2) Livestock, 3) Farmstead, and 4) Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat.
The program includes four steps:
LEARN
Attend a workshop or schedule a private meeting to learn if MAEAP is right for you. Alternately, you can review educational materials on the MAEAP website at your own pace.
FARM VISIT & RECOMMENDATIONS
Invite a MAEAP technician to tour your farm. This technician will explain the program and recommend practical steps you can take to reduce erosion and runoff into public waters.
Everything the technician learns about your farm will remain confidential and will not be shared with your competition or environmental regulators.
IMPLEMENT
Do the work at your own pace. Our MAEAP technicians are here to help you every step of the way. A technician will help you develop your plan of action, and fill out paperwork. He or she will also steer you to cost share and expert help, if you want.
RECOGNITION
Once the work is complete, you can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. A verifier from MDARD will visit your farm to ensure the recommended practices are in place and address erosion and runoff risks on your land. When the work is done, we will give you a sign to place on your farm and send you a certificate signed by the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.