The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 42 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:
- Ableidinger Farms of Hillman as verified in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
- Andy Bailey Farms of Coldwater as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- Apsey Farm, LLC of Reed City as verified in Cropping System
- BA Reaume Farms, LLC of Carleton as verified in Cropping System
- Blaine Farms of Charles as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- Bushey Farms of Caseville as verified in Cropping System
- Critter Barn of Zeeland as verified in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
- Dains Orchards of Ludington as verified in Farmstead System
- David Damm Farm of Bay Port as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- Daylight Farms of Fairgrove as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- Fergus Farms, LLC of Charles as verified in Cropping System
- Gatchell Farm of Eau Claire as verified in Cropping System
- Gene Demorrow Farm of Joseph as verified in Cropping System
- Glen Oaks Community College, Glen Oaks Farm of Sturgis as verified in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
- Golden Knob Farm of Johns as verified in Cropping System
- Harvest Moon Farms (Previously Green Spirit Farms) of New Buffalo as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- JTAX Acres of Ida as verified in Cropping System
- Kitty Kurtis Incorporated of Harrison as verified in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
- Michigan WildFlower Farm, Inc of Portland as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- Nellie & James McCumber Farm of Branch as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- OHH Pork LLC of Custer as verified in Livestock System
- Opificius Farm of Capac as verified in Cropping System
- Phillips Farm of Marlette as verified in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
- Polish Acres of Big Rapids as verified in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
- Sand Land Farms of Baroda as verified in Cropping System
- Schuler Farms of Caledonia as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- Scott and Cheryl Atkinson Forest of Delton as verified in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
- Scott Street Farm, LLC of Detroit as verified in Cropping System
- Steve Gayari Farm of Pigeon as verified in Cropping System
- The Mushroom Factory of Detroit as verified in Cropping (Greenhouse) and Farmstead (Greenhouse) Systems
- Vern Westrick Farm of Clair as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Ashley of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Base of Allegan as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Blackman of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Bridge Road of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Chicora of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Davis of Allegan as verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Felber of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Goldschmeding of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Lee Morgan of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- West Michigan Farms, Inc. – Smith of Allegan as verified in Cropping System
- Willowcreek Farm of Webberville as verified in Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock Systems
“Farmers across the state of Michigan understand how fortunate we are to be surrounded by fertile lands and abundant fresh water, 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, 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 5,000 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.
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.