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Water pollution comes from many sources, and some of it comes from farms. That's why Delta 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. |
You can earn:
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We Promise:
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MAEAP recognition is:
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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 or forest/land landowner. 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. |
GET VERIFIED
Getting verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) shows peers and neighbors the high level of commitment to agricultural stewardship and protecting the environment. MAEAP has four systems that address different aspects of the farm: Farmstead, Cropping, Livestock and the newly developed Forest, Wetlands and Habitat System. Each looks at different practices depending on site-specific management and production practices and associated risks.
Getting verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) shows peers and neighbors the high level of commitment to agricultural stewardship and protecting the environment. MAEAP has four systems that address different aspects of the farm: Farmstead, Cropping, Livestock and the newly developed Forest, Wetlands and Habitat System. Each looks at different practices depending on site-specific management and production practices and associated risks.
Farmstead System
The Farmstead System reviews potential risks at the farm site. This includes a review of chemical, fuel and pesticide storage, and wells. It may also include manure storage on livestock farms. This system is applicable to all farms. |
Cropping System
The Cropping System reviews production practices that occur wherever crops are grown on the farm. It reviews risks associated with pesticide and nutrient application, erosion control, and record keeping. |
Livestock System
The Livestock System reviews practices related to livestock production. This includes manure storage, transfer and land application, record keeping, feed storage, and lot management. It relates to all types of livestock produced on the farm. |
Forest, Wetlands & Habitat System
The Forest, Wetlands & Habitat System reviews management practices relating to areas on the farm with woodlands, wetlands, and other types of managed habitats. This review looks at the management plans created for all of these land uses to promote and ensure sustainable practices are being implemented. |
REQUEST A VISIT
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Invite us to tour your farm!
Our local technician will come out to visit. We will recommend practical steps you can take to reduce erosion and runoff into public waters. Everything We Learn Will Be 100% Confidential, Guaranteed by State Law. Your MAEAP technician will not share their findings or recommendations with anybody but you. To schedule your visit, fill out the form to request a visit. If you prefer, you can contact your local technician directly, or If looking for more information: Contact: Holly Moss MAEAP Technician Ph. (906) 825-3023 Email: [email protected] |
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What MAEAP-Recognized Farmers Say
Doug DarlingDarling Farms
"We’ are participating in MAEAP because we recognize the benefit to the environment, our community and our farming operation. I encourage more farms to pursue verification in MAEAP." |
Bruce & Jennifer LewisPleasant View Dairy
“We believe electively opting to participate in MAEAP... will help farmers keep up with the rapid pace of environmental and sustainability-based industry changes... The fourth generation is now learning and preparing for their future as we all try to leave our farmstead better than we found it.” |
Art ListerLister Orchards
"A big advantage of the MAEAP program is that it’ is a proactive approach to work with producers. I want to know that I am doing everything I can to protect the environment, and this assures me that I am doing just that." |