MAEAP verified 26 farms in January

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 26 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:

  • Ackerman and Son, of Vassar, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Bushel Basket Orchards, Inc., of Ludington, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Cross Farms, of Northport, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Fennville Farm Unit of the Allegan State Game Area, of Fennville, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Guilford Farm, of St. Charles, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Howell Farms, of Fairgrove, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Ken and Mark Kirkman ,of Corunna, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems
  • Lakeside Farm, of Boyne City, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Lexington Gardens, of Lexington, as a verified farm in the Greenhouse Farmstead and Greenhouse Cropping Systems.
  • Listwak Farm, of North Branch, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • M.S. Farms, of Caro, as a verified farm in the Cropping System
  • Olivet FFA, of Olivet, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Greenhouse Farmstead and Greenhouse Cropping Systems.
  • Origins Hobby Farm, of Middleville, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Paul Friday Farms, Inc., of Coloma, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Pine Crest Farms, of Hemlock, as a verified farm in the Farmstead System.
  • Pollard Farm, of Galesburg, as a verified farm in the Farmstead System.
  • Rabe Orchards, LLC, of Shelby, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Robert Kernstock Farm, of Auburn, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Shull Farms, of Hart, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Slocum Tree Farms, LLC, of Hart, as a verified farm in the Cropping Systems.
  • Steve Schaub, of North Branch, as a verified farm in the Livestock, Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Todd Greiner Farms Packaging, LLC, of Hart, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • Todd Greiner Farms, of Hart, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.
  • White Pine Farm, of North Branch, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Wood Farms, Inc., of Marlette, as a verified farm in the Cropping System.
  • Vanderwal Acres of Lake City, as a verified farm in the Farmstead and Livestock Systems.

“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-based MAEAPprogram. 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 a MAEAPverified 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 Joe Kelpinski, MDARD’s MAEAP Program Manager, at (517) 284-5608.

Media Contact: Heather Throne

517-284-5725 or throneh@michigan.gov