MAEAP Verifies 28 Farms in July

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 28 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:

  • Areklet Farm, of Pentwater, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Battle Creek Public Schools, Outdoor Education Center, Clear Lake Camp, of Dowling, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Blackfire Winery, LLC (Previously Arbor Vineyard and Farm), of Tecumseh, as a verified farm in Cropping, and Farmstead Systems
  • Camp Tavor Farm, of Three Rivers, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Crambell Farms, of Owosso, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • DNR – Barry State Game Area, of Middleville, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Don Gray Farm, of Owosso, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Elmcrest Acres Folk School, of Daggett, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Elmcrest Acres, LLC, of Daggett, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead,  and Livestock Systems
  • Erridge Acres, of Reed City, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • J. Gray Farm, LLC, of Owosso, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Gabriel Farms, LLC, of Petoskey, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Garrett Moore Farm, of Owosso, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Glenn Vineyard, LLC (Previously Gonzales Winery), of Fennville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Green Thumb Gourmet Garlic, LLC, of China Township, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Hajek Farms, of New Lothrop, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Hoppily Ever After Farms, LLC, of Cottreville Township, as a verified farm in Cropping and  Farmstead Systems
  • Hover Farms, of Niles, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • John Stasa Farm, of Owosso, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Kalamazoo Nature Center’s DeLano Farm, of Kalamazoo, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Maple Hill Farms, of Reed City, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Forest, Wetlands, Habitat Systems
  • OWLSi Forest, of Mattawan, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Palmer Blueberry Farm, of Whitehall, as a verified farm in Cropping and  Farmstead Systems
  • Quiet Creek Farm, LLC, of Kingsley, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Rhoadside Acres, Inc., of Cedar, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Schrader’s Farm, of Dowagiac, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • ShangriLa Farms, LLC, of Lawton, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Sunset Lake Forest, of Tecumseh, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System

“Farmers across the state of Michigan understand how fortunate we are to be surrounded by fertile lands and abundant freshwater, and they are committed to protecting these amazing resources,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “Participation in the program increases year after year, and it has been used as a model by many other states. By earning MAEAP verification and putting that sign out front, they are letting their neighbors know that they are excellent stewards of their land so that it can be sustainable for future generations.”

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation and environmental groups and state and federal agencies.  Michigan conservation districts house technicians that provide technical assistance 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 5,000 verifications have taken place 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 risk. 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 MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every five years and action steps must be followed.

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