The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 17 farms 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.

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program recognized:

• Buginsky Farms, of Owosso, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• Bushey Farms, of Caseville, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
• Concord Ridge Fruit Farm, of Niles, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• David Damm Farm, of Bay Port, as a verified farm in the Farmstead System.
• Dongvillo Vineyards, Inc., of St. Joseph Charter, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
• Hillside Orchards, of Berrien Springs, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• Huron Pork LLC, Unit 3, of Owendale, as a verified farm in the Livestock System.
• In Due Season Family Farm, of Manton, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• Koerner Farms, LLC, of Laingsburg, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• Magnus Farm, of Clare, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• Myers Farm, of Sandusky, as a verified farm in the Livestock System.
• O’Hair Farms, Inc, of Croswell, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
• Ojibwe Charter School, of Brimley, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
• Russell Blueberry Farm and Nursery, of Freeland, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping System.
• Steven Maedel Farm, of Applegate, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
• Stoneman Pro Services, of Breckenridge, as a verified farm in the Farmstead System.
• T.M. Klein & Sons, Inc., of St. Charles, as a verified farm in the Farmstead System.

“I am pleased to announce that these farms have taken the steps necessary to become an environmentally verified operation,” said MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams. “Michigan is leading the way nationwide in effective stewardship practices with the voluntary, incentive-basedMAEAP program. This continued effort shows agricultural producers long term commitment to protecting the environment while maintaining economic success.”

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.  More than 100 local coordinators and technical service providers are available to assist farmers as they move through the MAEAP process toward verification. An average of 5,000 Michigan farmers attend educational programs annually, 10,000 Michigan farms have started the verification process and over 2,500 farms have been verified to date.

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 aMAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every three years and action steps must be followed.

In March of 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill 122 and House Bill 4212, now Public Acts 1 and 2 of 2011, to codify the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program into law.

MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources. The program encompasses three systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each system – Livestock, Farmstead, and Cropping – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all three systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.

For more information, visit the MAEAP website at https://www.maeap.org or contact Jan Wilford, MDARD’s MAEAP Program Manager, at (517)284-5608.

Media Contact: Heather Throne

517-284-5725 or throneh@michigan.gov