We support the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and its continuation and improvement. We urge the State of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to work together with the agriculture community to continue and improve the MAEAP program to foster further voluntary sustainable agricultural practices. Public Acts 1 and 2 of 2011 solidified the future of MAEAP. This program offers MAEAP-verified farms protection from civil fines, a presumption of meeting obligations for watershed pollutant loading determinations, and recognition that discharges from farm fields caused by rainfall are nonpoint source pollution. We urge all farm operators and landowners managing forests, wetlands and habitat to participate in the MAEAP program and complete as many recommendations as possible to help ensure the quality of our air, water and soil is preserved.
We applaud Michigan farmers for achieving 6,658 verifications as of October 1, 2023.
Michigan Farm Bureau members should lead the conversation on the definition of sustainable agriculture. We must put programs such as MAEAP and guidelines like the Generally Accepted Agriculture and Management Practices (GAAMPs) front and center, highlighting how farmers today are producing safe and sustainable food, fuel and fiber.
We support:
Continued efforts for MAEAP to remain a voluntary, confidential, statewide program.
Legislation and marketing efforts that would communicate to the general public that MAEAP- verified farms are held to the highest standard of environmental stewardship.
MDARD developing an outstanding and recognizable “Pure Michigan”-style labeling program (such as “Pure Michigan-Verified Farm”) to add value to products of MAEAP verified farms and allow the MAEAP logo to be used at point of sale.
The MAEAP program making information available about Michigan’s Water Pollution Control Tax Exemption Form which exempts pollution control structures from property tax assessments.
MFB working with MAEAP partners to develop educational and promotional materials for farm neighbors and the general public regarding the benefits of MAEAP.
All producers using MAEAP verification as the basis for projecting a positive farm image to the public.
MFB continuing to pursue greater incentives for MAEAP participation, such as additional protections from frivolous complaints.
The Michigan Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Act. This act funds groundwater and surface water programming through providing grants to fund local technicians. These technicians work with farmers to voluntarily adopt stewardship practices, which reduce nonpoint source pollution from agricultural sources. We believe funding of these technicians needs to be a top priority.
Participation in MAEAP, including information generated by assessment programs, remaining confidential. Aggregate data that would demonstrate effectiveness of the overall program could be shared.
A review of the MAEAP program, seeking new and/or alternative ways of meeting standards without compromising the basis of MAEAP verification.
Farm Bureau members participating in regional water stewardship teams.
Agriculture being the primary focus of MAEAP assistance in recognition of agriculture’s contribution to the dedicated fund.
The changes made to strengthen MAEAP and its funding through PA 118 of 2015. Program funds come from Michigan’s General Fund and the Freshwater Protection Fund.
The changes made to the Freshwater Protection Fund which require all users of industrial fertilizer (e.g., farmers, homeowners, golf courses) pay a fee into the fund.
An annual review of the Freshwater Protection Fund finances, with the report being made available to contributors.
Freshwater Protection Fund collection at the wholesale level, creating a voluntary contribution option, and exploring other fee collection mechanisms.
Recognition of the Michigan law that offers MAEAP-verified farms statutory protection in watersheds with Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). This protection should apply to the applicable systems farms are verified in that address the pollutants listed in that watershed’s TMDL by acknowledging the farm meets the obligations for watershed pollutant loading determinations. Verification in all systems applicable to the farm should not be required in order to receive statutory protection.
Farmers who are MAEAP-verified being considered in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations.