The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program has recognized five mid-Michigan farms among 74 for implementing appropriate pollution prevention practices. The program assists farmers to comply with state and federal environmental regulations and with Right-to-Farm practices. Technical assistance was provided by local conservation districts.
Local farms that were verified were:
• Ben Bryant Farm, of Shepherd, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems;
• Daniel W. Styles Forest, of Harrison, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System;
• Humm Farms, LLC, of Breckenridge, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems;
• Humm Farms, LLC - A. G., of Breckenridge, as a verified farm in Farmstead System; and
• The Hall Farm, of Riverdale, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System.
“By taking the steps necessary to become MAEAP verified, farmers continue to be excellent stewards of their land. The success of the program demonstrates how the agricultural community comes together to protect our land and water quality,” MDARD Director Gordon Wenk in a news release. MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, MDARD, Michigan Farm Bureau, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation and environmental groups and state and federal agencies.
To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risks. MDARD conducts an on‑farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, Michigan Right to Farm guidelines, and adherence to an action plan. When completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every five years and action steps must be followed.
MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources.
The program encompasses four systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation.
Each system – livestock, farmstead, cropping, and forest, wetlands and habitat – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all four systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.