MAEAP

MAEAP: Doing Your Part for the Planet

With the push for more sustainable practices on the minds of many, farmers can find relief through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), knowing their operation is doing its part to be environmentally conscious. This is the case for more than 6,000 farms in Michigan who have already been verified through the program. Many of those 6,000 display their verification sign proudly at their farm as a marker of the farm’s commitment to ensure their actions are environmentally conscious, leaving a cleaner Earth for the next generation. Verified farms also earn recognition as top stewards in the community and get preferred consideration for both technical assistance and cost share.

Verification is available to any Michigan farmer in four categories: Farmstead System, Cropping System, Livestock System, and Forest, Wetlands and Habitat System. While each system focuses on different environmental practices to increase protection of the environment, farms can get verified for one or multiple systems. To become verified, farms follow the standard 4-step process below: 1. Schedule Farm Visit: A MAEAP technician will visit your farm to assess your farm’s environmental practices and daily operations. This visit is 100% confidential and free.

2. Farm Assessment: During the farm visit, the MAEAP technician will assess your farm, recommend practical steps to reduce possible erosion or runoff into public waters, and develop a plan of action tailored to you. 3. Implement Plan: After visiting with the technician and establishing a plan, you can start implementing the recommended changes at your own pace. 4. Contact Verifier: Once the changes have been made or a new process is in place, contact a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development verifier to schedule a visit. During the visit, they will verify the changes and review the farm to ensure it complies with MAEAP guidelines. Every step of the verification process is confidential and information gathered by technicians or verifiers will not be shared with anyone but the individual seeking verification.

Already MAEAP Verified?

While becoming MAEAP verified is a big step in being more environmentally conscious, it is one of many steps that must be taken in the ongoing process of minimizing environmental impact. Once verified, it’s important farms get reverified every five years to ensure their operations still meet best management practices while 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. To get reverified, 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. GreenStone is proud to partner with MAEAP and assist farmers interested in initiating environmentally friendly practices on their farm. For more information on becoming verified, the reverification process or how it can bring long-term value to your farm, visit www.maeap.org. ■