MAEAP overview Saskatoon - Saskatoon Berry Institute

Michigan Agriculture
Environmental Assurance
Program
What is MAEAP?
• MAEAP is a voluntary, proactive environmental assurance program,
targeted to the agricultural industry, which ensures that producers are
engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and are in
compliance with environmental regulations.
• Farmers displaying the MAEAP logo are actively sustaining the
landscapes that surround us while producing top-quality Michigangrown agriculture products.
• MAEAP is a holistic approach to environmental protection. It helps
farmers evaluate their entire operation and make sustainable
management decisions; balancing society’s needs, the environment, and
farm economics.
Why MAEAP?
• MAEAP verification assures growers they are truly doing the
right thing for the land they love by preserving its integrity
for future generations.
• A way for farms to show neighbors and consumers they are
making every effort to farm responsibly. Verification offers peace
of mind an operation is proactively preventing pollution while
producing high quality products.
Why MAEAP?
• Emergency planning
• Plan of action in the event of a spill or discharge.
• Protect your local firefighters
• Liability/ Insurance deduction
• Farm Bureau, Freemont, etc.
• MAEAP is your environmental consultant.
• Working with a consultant allows a fresh pair of eyes to review
management practices. Farmers enhance the integrity of their
operation and connect with an extensive network of resources.
• Verification assures Right to Farm and GAAMPs
compliance.
• Navigate state and federal laws.
Why MAEAP?
• Regulatory discretion
• MAEAP codified in law
• RUP Credits
• Initial Assessment,Verification,
and Repeat Assessment and
Re-verification.
• Cost Share Access
• EQIP points
• Marketing opportunity,
creates customer demand…
Marketing Opportunities
With MAEAP
• Consumer awareness and demand.
• Seeking healthy, fresh, local food.
• Farm Markets
• Direct customer sales
• Wholesalers
• Verification in two systems allows use of
MAEAP logo on farm materials.
• Distinguish yourself
• Statewide and national recognition.
• MAEAP Partner Commitment
Steps to MAEAP Verification
Phase 1 Credit:
•Orchard and
Vineyard Show
•Small Farms
Conference
•Great Lake Fruit
& Vegetable Expo
Steps to MAEAP Verification
• Contact your local Conservation District to connect with a
MAEAP Technician.
• On Farm Visit from MAEAP Technician
• Site visits are confidential, non-regulatory, and at your request
• An action plan consisting of any necessary improvements
needed for MAEAP Verification is left onsite.
• Three
Systems:
- Cropping
- Farmstead
- Livestock
• Voluntary, confidential, non-regulatory
• Easily tailored to fit all types and sizes of farming operations
Assessment Example
Steps to MAEAP Verification
• All verified farms are required to:
• Have soils tested on a regular basis and only fertilize as needed
• Safely and responsibly store and apply agrichemicals
• Responsibly manage manure generated by farm livestock
• Maintain healthy conditions of lots and pastures for animals
• Manage surface water runoff
• Prevent soil erosion
• Routinely test wells to screen groundwater for nitrates and bacteria
• Develop farm emergency plans and know how to respond in the
event of a chemical spill or discharge
Steps to MAEAP Verification
• When ready, farmer contacts MAEAP Technician and MDARD
Verifier to schedule a farm visit for MAEAP Verification.
• Verified farms reviewed every three years to ensure continued
compliance with MAEAP standards as well as Right to Farm and
State & Federal Laws.
Verified Farms
• Farmers who have achieved MAEAP verification have worked
with a technician from their local Conservation District to:
• Review all of the management practices on their farm.
• Gain improved access to technical assistance
• Voluntarily adopt environmentally sound management practices.
More Info
• www.maeap.org
• www.natureiscalling.org
• Laura Spencer
231.941.0960 x22
[email protected]
• Jessica Rasch
231.941.0960 x23
[email protected]