MAEAP Verifies 38 Farms in December 2018

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 38 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 is recognized:

  • B-5 of Cement City, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Branch ISD Area Career Center of Coldwater, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Brancheau Farms of Newport, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Brockway Organics of Brockway, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Cronenwett Farms of Lawton, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • D & B Farms – Heinz Farm of South Haven, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • D & B Farms – Home Farm of South Haven, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Dykhuis Farm – Ehinger Farm of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Baseline Farm, of South Haven, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Clearview of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Creekbend of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Fillmore Fle, of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Flat Valley of Hamilton, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Hidden Hollow & Oak Grove of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Highway Hogs of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Jenna’s of Hamilton, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Joe’s Farm of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Maple Corner of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Rachel’s Far of Hamilton, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – River Bend of Zeeland, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Shamrock Farms of Scotts, as a verified farm in Livestock System
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Village Central / Sandy Ridge Farms of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Dykhuis Farms, Inc. – Village Central / Sandy Ridge Farms of Holland, as a verified farm in Cropping and Livestock Systems
  • Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Dundee Engine Plant of Dundee, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Green Barn Winery of Smiths Creek, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Jake’s Country Meats of Cassopolis, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • La Casa Verde Produce of Cedar, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Malone Family Farm of Gaines, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Maurice Denecker Farm of Riga, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Meeuwse Farms, LLC of Hopkins, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Pyper Family Farms of Hudsonville, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Railside Orchards Inc. and Red Barn Market, of Lowell, as a verified farm in Livestock System
  • Southwestern Michigan College of Dowagiac, as a verified farm in Cropping (Greenhouse) and Farmstead (Greenhouse) Systems
  • Study Home Farm of Gaylord, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Tomahawk Archers of Temperance, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Top Hops Farm, LLC of Goodrich, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Twin Maple Farm, LLC of Zeeland, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Van Nortwick Orchards of Pentwater, as a verified farm in Farmstead System

“These 38 farms represent the agricultural community’s commitment to a sustainable environment,” said MDARD Director Gordon Wenk. “By taking the steps necessary to become MAEAP verified, farmers continue to be excellent stewards of their land. The success of the program demonstrates how the agricultural community comes together to protect our land and water quality.”

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 4,000 verifications 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.

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 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.