MAEAP

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.

How to get started with MAEAP:

• Attend a Phase I Meeting
• Call the MAEAP office at 517.373.9797 to get signed up.
• Talk with your local Groundwater Technician, MSU Extension agent, Michigan Farm Bureau Regional Representative, Michigan Milk Producers Association Field Staff, or Conservation District staff.

*****GRAPHIC PLACEHOLDER*****

This comprehensive, voluntary, proactive program is designed to reduce farmers' legal and environmental risks through a three-phase process: 1) education; 2) farm-specific risk assessment; and 3) on-farm verification that ensures the farmer has implemented environmentally sound practices. The program encompasses three systems - Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock - each examining different aspects of the farm. After becoming MAEAP verified, a farm can display a MAEAP sign signifying that MAEAP partners recognize the farm is environmentally assured.

MAEAP's Mission:

• To develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and complying with state and federal environmental regulations. It is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.

MAEAP's Confidentiality:

• With confidentiality guaranteed by law, MAEAP provides a structure under which Michigan farmers can be assured they are effectively following all current Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) and are complying with state and federal environmental laws specific to each system of the program.

MAEAP benefits Michigan by:

• Protecting natural resources using environmentally sound practices.
• Having emergency plans ready to deal with the unexpected.
• Using proven scientific standards to protect our air, water and soil.
• Maximizing natural fertilizer use and reducing use of fertilizers made from fossil fuels.
• Making good neighbors.
• Helping protect the Great Lakes.
• Ensuring safe storage of fuel, fertilizer and chemicals.
• Balancing efficient production and sound environmental practices.
• Taking care of the land while making a living from the land.