Welcome!
(989) 846-4565 ext. 5
Welcome!
(989) 846-4565 ext. 5
The Michigan Agricultural Environment Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive program that assists farms of all sizes and commodities across the state to minimize the risk of agricultural pollution into surface and ground water sources. Through this free and confidential program, you can earn recognition as a top steward in the community while helping reduce erosion and runoff in our beloved Michigan waterways. Our MAEAP Technician can work with you to identify potential risks and comply with state and federal environmental standards in 4 different systems: Farmstead, Livestock, Cropping, and Forest, Wetlands, & Habitat. Those who successfully complete the 3-phase process (education, risk assessment, and third-party verification) are rewarded by receiving a verification in that system. Farms can also be verified in multiple systems if applicable, even all four at once!
Max is here to help! As your local Technician, he can provide on-farm assistance and answer any questions. Adopting some of MAEAP’s cost-effective practices can substantially reduce the environmental risks associated with agriculture. Additionally, you will be one step closer to becoming MAEAP verified!
MAEAP is a 100% free and confidential program representing a high level of responsible agricultural practices. This program was designed to meet the needs of Michigan farmers and foresters, all while having a positive impact on our environment. It’s achievable; over 5,000 Michigan farms have been verified! If you are ready to add to the growing population of MAEAP verified farms, contact Max today!
The Farmstead System reviews potential risks at the farm site. This includes a review of chemical, fuel and pesticide storage, and wells. It may also include manure storage on livestock farms. This system is applicable to farms of all sizes & commodities.
The Cropping System reviews production practices that occur wherever crops are grown on the farm. It reviews risks associated with pesticide and nutrient application, erosion control, and record keeping. The Cropping category focuses on field-based activities such as water use, soil conservation, and nutrient management. This category applies to all crops grown in Michigan.
The Livestock System reviews practices related to livestock production. This includes manure storage, transfer and land application, record keeping, feed storage, erosion control, nutrient management and lot management. It relates to all types of livestock produced on the farm. This category applies to all Michigan livestock farms, regardless of the animals raised or their size.
The Forest, Wetlands & Habitat System reviews management practices relating to areas on the farm with woodlands, wetlands, and other types of managed habitats. This review looks at the management plans created for all of these land uses to promote and ensure sustainable practices are being implemented. This system focuses on practices tha
The Forest, Wetlands & Habitat System reviews management practices relating to areas on the farm with woodlands, wetlands, and other types of managed habitats. This review looks at the management plans created for all of these land uses to promote and ensure sustainable practices are being implemented. This system focuses on practices that promote sustainable forest and wetlands management. These include forest health; protecting air, water, and soil; and restoring habitats.
Several financial benefits are available to farmers who become verified or even just have a risk assessment!
Excessive use of pesticide or fertilizer aren't only bad for the environment, but bad for your wallet too! A simple fix can save you and your operation thousands over the years and even open your eyes to other quick fixes & additions that can make you and your production more efficient, and in turn, more profitable. The MAEAP program is designed to not only protect the water and the environment, but also your pocketbook and wellbeing too!
Funds are available to help farmers become verified if financial assistance is needed, depending on the need & availability. Once you fill out an application and are approved for cost share, you may receive a 50% reimbursement up to $500 per qualified applicant! If you are one or two practices away from verification, we can help you with that final push.
MAEAP verified farms receive recognition for the work they do to protect the land they produce from. Verified farms obtain a sign to display on their farm to signify they follow conservation practices. They also are held to a higher standard, showing that anything produced by that farm is made with the environment in mind. You will have an enduring sense of pride & accomplishment for being one of the top stewards of the land in not just your county, but your entire state too!
Since MAEAP verified farms are held to a higher standard, they are more protected from regulatory actions and corrective measures. If a producer does end up having a large spill for example, they would be protected from most fines & fees that come with cleanup and damage mitigation. Verified farms also tend to have an easier time with food safety inspections since they are already reducing potential pollution and in turn, keeping their facilities clean.
JOIN THE GROWING NUMBER OF FARM VERIFICATIONS!
Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 989-313-0143 arenac.maeap@macd.org
Mon | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Tue | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Wed | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Thu | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Fri | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
— Michael Wells, Arbor Vineyard and Farm, Tecumseh MI
THE FIRST FOREST WETLAND HABITAT VERIFICATION IN ARENAC COUNTY. CONGRATULATIONS!