Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

MAEAP is a nationally recognized pro-active environmental assurance program targeted
at Michigan’s agricultural industry, codified into law in March, 2011 (Public
Acts 1 and 2).  MAEAP insures that
producers are using cost-effective pollution prevention practices that assist
them to be in compliance with applicable environmental regulations specific to
the program and in conformance with Michigan Right to Farm guidelines and the
USDA-NRCS standards.  MAEAP is an
industry and governmental initiative initially signed by the directors of the
MDARD and the Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in 1998 that provides
on-site farm specific risk assessments, education, and third party MDARD
verification (farm inspections) for all size farms and all Michigan
commodities.  MAEAP supporters include
over 50 industry, university, state and federal agencies, local government, and
conservation groups.

In FY13, there were 528 new verifications and 223 re-verifications
in MAEAP.  Currently, 579 farms have been
verified in the Livestock System, 698 farms have been verified in the Farmstead
system (59% increase over 2012), and 611 farms have been verified in the
Cropping System (67% increase over 2012).

Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state, second
to California. As a result, a one-size-fits-all approach to environmental
protection does not work on Michigan farms. MAEAP effectively overcomes this
challenge by offering areas of concentration known as systems. Each system
focuses on a different aspect of a farming operation. Farmers can become
verified in all systems applicable to their farm. The systems are: Farmstead –
The MAEAP Farmstead System addresses environmental risks of the entire
farmstead, from safe fuel handling to the proper storage of fertilizers and
pesticides. It focuses on protecting surface and groundwater. It is the one MAEAP
system which is applicable to every size and kind of operation, from livestock
to field crops, orchards, vegetable operations, greenhouses and nurseries.

Cropping – The MAEAP Cropping System primarily focuses on
environmental issues related to cropping activities, such as irrigation and
water use, soil conservation, and nutrient and pest management. The system has
components focused on environmental issues related to managing diverse commodities. The 4Rs are a framework that aids MI farmers to reach the nutrient stewardship standards
necessary for MAEAP verification.

Livestock – The MAEAP Livestock System primarily focuses on
environmental issues related to livestock activities, including manure handling,
storage and field application, as well as conservation practices to protect
water and prevent soil erosion. The Livestock System targets all Michigan
livestock farms, regardless of species or size. The Livestock System
concentrates on production and conservation practices, equipment, structures and
management activities associated with animal production. The 4Rs are a framework that aids
MI farmers to reach the nutrient stewardship standards necessary for MAEAP
verification.

MAEAP uses risk assessments found at www.maeap.org.
Specifically the nutrient management components of both the Cropping (various
systems) and Livestock are compatible. The 4R help to address critical
areas of nutrient management.