Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is a proactive and innovative initiative that empowers farmers to protect the environment while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By providing voluntary, confidential, and farm-specific assistance, MAEAP helps farms of all sizes and commodities identify and mitigate potential environmental risks, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations. Through MAEAP, farmers can access expert guidance, resources, and recognition for their environmental stewardship efforts, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Michigan agriculture.
MAEAP Features
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Farmstead System
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 applies to all farms.
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Cropping System
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.
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Livestock System
The Livestock System reviews practices related to livestock production. This includes manure storage, transfer and land application, record keeping, feed storage, and lot management. It relates to all types of livestock produced on the farm.
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Forest, Wetlands, & Habitat Systems
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.
DeGroot Inc.
Coloma, MI
3 Phases of MAEAP
1
Learn
Attend a qualifying workshop or other educational meeting on agriculture or wildlife habitat-related topics. Alternately, you can review educational materials on the MAEAP website at your own pace. www.michigan.gov/maeap
2
Assess
Invite our MAEAP technician to tour your farm. This technician will explain the program and recommend practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of erosion, runoff, and spills reaching public waters.Everything the technician learns about your farm will remain confidential. Once the technician leaves, you can implement the recommendations at your own pace.
Verification
3
Once the work is complete, reach back out to your technician, and they will schedule a verifier from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to visit your farm to ensure the recommended practices are in place and address erosion and runoff risks on your land. When the Verifier is done, we will give you a sign to place on your farm and send you a certificate signed by the Director of MDARD.
MAEAP Assurances
You Can Earn:
Recognition as a top steward in the community
Regulatory assurances
Increased access to cost share and technical assistance
An enduring sense of accomplishment and pride
We Promise:
We keep everything 100% confidential, guaranteed by state law
We will treat you and your farm with respect
We will help you with the paperwork and process
We will help you leave a legacy for your children
MAEAP Recognition Is:
Achievable. Thousands of farms have already earned this designation
Something to be proud of. Be among the 5% of farms who have earned this designation