MAEAP Reverification: A Commitment to Tomorrow As stewards of the land, farmers carry a great responsibility of implementing safe farming practices with both the next generation and the environment in mind. To support this responsibility, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is committed to providing farmers the opportunity to show that the correct steps are being taken to prevent or minimize agricultural pollution by becoming MAEAP verified. This summer, the agriculture industry celebrated a milestone achievement of 6,000 total farms becoming MAEAP verified since the program began 23 years ago. “It’s imperative for farmers to understand the environmental laws and regulations, and that they are operating within them for their own liability and peace of mind,” says Joe Kelpinski, Program Manager for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Environmental Stewardship Division. “Potential risks on a farm are potential liabilities. Minimizing those risks is important in protecting themself, their farm and even their family.”
maintaining the legislated certainties the program offers. This reverification is essential to confirm their ongoing farm practices as well as any new or major changes align with evolving environmental standards set by MAEAP. Since much of the leg work and preparation has already been completed during the process of earning the initial verification, the reverification process is relatively simple. Similar to the first risk assessment, technicians will do a walk-through of the farm to ensure the operation aligns with the set standards. If improvements are needed, farmers work on their own time to make those changes. “When it’s time to be reverified, most farmers already understand what the expectations are. As they incorporate new changes, they keep MAEAP standards in mind and it often becomes part of their routine,” Joe says. “Our reverification process has over an 80 percent retention rate!” Working with your MAEAP Technician
MAEAP Reverification
The reverification process is often quite simple, in part due to the strong relationship MAEAP technicians build with the farmers they work with.
While becoming MAEAP verified is a big step in being more environmentally conscious, it is just one of the many steps that must be taken in the ongoing process of minimizing the environmental impact. Once verified, it’s important farms get reverified every five years to ensure their operations still meet the best management practices while
“Farmers utilize their technicians as resources. If they are putting in a new well, they’ll turn to their tech for guidance on where the well should be placed so they meet their setbacks for chemical or fuel,” Joe explains. “Since they are already being guided down the right road, it helps prevent any problems during the reverification process.”
“
It’s imperative for farmers to understand the environmental laws and regulations, and that they are operating within them for their own liability and peace of mind.
By having a good relationship with their technician, farmers can continuously turn to them for advice as they implement new changes, buildings and structures to their farm – anytime, not just during the reverification process. This limits the number of improvements or adjustments that need to be made during
reverification and ensures farms remains environmentally conscious for a cleaner tomorrow. For more information on getting MAEAP verified, the reverification process or how your farm can become more environmentally friendly, visit www.MAEAP.org. ■ Partners — Fall 2021
14
