MAEAP "The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program"
MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that assists farms of all sizes and all commodities how to voluntarily prevent or minimize pollution risks on their farms. The program helps producers identify and prevent environmental risks and comply with State and Federal environmental regulations. MAEAP was developed by a coalition of agriculture producers, commodity groups, State and Federal agencies, and conservation and environmental organizations. The Michigan Department of Agriculture is the verifying agency but the MAEAP is not a government or regulatory program but rather a partnership effort. A farmer can be verified in three different systems, Farmstead, Cropping, Livestock or for all systems applicable to his or her farm.
MAEAP is a three phase program Phase 1-Education, requiring producers to attend at least one 2 hour educational meeting or view an on-line video. Phase 2 On-Farm risk assessment Farm-A-Syst, or Crop-A-Syst conducted by a trained technician . Phase 3- Third party verification, is performed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture to assure that producer has met requirements of Phase 1&2 and that the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices are being followed. The verification process is confidential and results of the process will not leave the farm. Re-verification is required every three years.
After satisfactory verification the producer is eligible to receive a sign for display on his or her property, may be eligible for benefits like insurance discounts, cost-share, and enhancements in some Federal programs such as the Conservation Security Program. Once a producer is verified his or her Township Supervisor and State Representative are notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture of the verification.
The public can take comfort in knowing that MAEAP verified farms are using sound practices to protect natural resources and build positive community and neighbor relations. For more information regarding the MAEAP program contact the Manistee Conservation District or visit the MAEAP website www.maeap.org.
New Michigan Safe Food Risk Assessment Available for Local Producers
The Michigan Safe Food *A* Syst risk assessment that was developed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Developement (MDARD) and Michigan State University (MSU) will be available for local producers during the spring and summer of 2012. This program will assist producers that sell at farm markets, roadside stands, and are not required to be GAP certified, understand on-farm food safety concerns and practices.
A recent initiative of the MDARD to meet its priorities for a safe, secure and wholesome food supply, promote Michigan agricultural products resulted in a joint effort with MSU to develop the Safe Food Assessment. The voluntary, confidential risk assessment will be available to Manistee County producers beginning in 2012. Growers are cautioned not to use this risk assessment when their markets require GAP certification. A technician from the local Conservation District is prepared to conduct a review of farm practices such as worker hand washing, manure handling, water testing, and pesticide application recordkeeping. One of the requirements is the completion of an abbreviated food safety plan. If 80% of the practices have been completed and documented, a certificate of completion can be issued. Any producer that is interested and wishes to participate in the confidential Safe Food program should contact the Manistee Conservation District by calling 231-889-4761 .
