The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.
On March 8, Gov. Rick Snyder signed two bills that focused on MAEAP. Read more here. View the legislation here:
To view MAEAP Advisory Council Upcoming Meetings, Meeting Notes & Advisory Council Directories, click here.
How to get started with MAEAP:
- Attend an Educational Meeting
- Call the MAEAP office at 517.373.9797 for more information.
- Talk with your local water stewardship technician , MSU Extension agent, County Farm Bureau Office, Michigan Milk Producers Association Field Staff, or Conservation District staff.
- Receive an electronic version of the MAEAP Newsletter
- Contact a MAEAP Verifier (see map at right)
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's three systems — Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock — each examine 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 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.
