Promoting Stewardship, Protecting the Environment

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive, and voluntary program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. It helps farmers evaluate their entire operation and truly make sustainable management decisions balancing society’s needs, the environment, and economics.  

MAEAP is designed to reduce farmers’ legal and environmental risks through a three-phase process: 1) education; 2) farm-specific risk assessment and practice implementation; and 3) on-farm verification that ensures the farmer has implemented environmentally sound practices. The program’s four systems — Cropping, Farmstead, Livestock and the newly developed Forest, Wetlands and Habitats System — each examine different aspects of the farm.  

To get started, farmers must attend a “Phase 1” educational session.  Another option is to select and view three videos found on the MAEAP website for Phase 1 Credit, and submit the MAEAP Educational Credits form.

After completing the Phase 1 component, farmers then work with a local MAEAP Technician to complete assessment tools related to their farm operation, (Cropping, Farmstead, Livestock, or Forest, Wetlands and Habitats) to identify any on-farm risks, and develop an action plan addressing those potential environmental risks.

Once the appropriate assessments have been completed and any risks are addressed, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) conducts an on-farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, including Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices or GAAMPs.  

Farmers who successfully complete the MAEAP process and become verified receive a sign for their farm that states that the farm is environmentally verified, and are also eligible for cost-share incentives, rebates from agricultural associations, low-cost lending and reduced liability insurance premiums from participating companies.

To retain MAEAP verification, a farm must repeat the on-farm risk assessment and MDARD on-farm inspection every five years.

MAEAP is based on scientifically supported standards that allow farms to address environmental concerns while remaining economically viable.  As knowledge of the economy and our place in the environment progresses, so does MAEAP— its progressive planning continually strengthens Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources.

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, MDARD, Michigan Farm Bureau, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation groups and state and federal agencies.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District has a MAEAP Technician available to assist farmers in pursuing MAEAP verification.  Farmers interested in more information about how to become MAEAP verified should contact MAEAP Technician Chris Coulter at: (734) 761-6721  ext. 101, or by e-mail at christopher.coulter@mi.nacdnet.net.   Information about MAEAP is also available on the Conservation District website or the MAEAP website.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local unit of state government, assisting private landowners, businesses and others, with management of their natural resources in Washtenaw County.  

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.