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. 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 Mason-Lake District or visit the MAEAP website www.maeap.org.
2009 GROUNDWATER STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
The West Central Groundwater Stewardship Team met October 14, 2008 at the Ludington Chamber of Commerce building to establish program guidelines for fiscal year 2009. Representatives from Conservation District’s, MDA, NRCS, Farm Bureau, Agri-Business, and local farmers were in attendance to set program goals and priorities. Participation in and promotion of the Clean Sweep/ Household Hazardous Waste Program and The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program were determined to be the top priorities for fiscal year 2009.
Due to budget cuts by the States of Michigan there will be a limited amount of cost-share dollars available for 2009. Pesticide Emergency spill Kits, MAEAP verifications, and minor well closures will be cost-shared at reduced rates. Other practices will not be cost-shared this year. It is anticipated that cost-share dollars will again be available for fiscal year 2010.
For further information regarding the groundwater program contact Murray Stall, Groundwater Technician at the Manistee Conservation District @ 231-889-4761.
