Recognition
Once the work is complete, you can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. A verifier from MDARD will visit your farm to ensure the recommended practices are in place and address erosion and runoff risks on your land. When the work is done, we will give you a sign to place on your farm and send you a certificate signed by the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM
Water pollution comes from many sources, and some of it comes from farms. That's why Mason-Lake Conservation District is standing by to help you enroll in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
MAEAP helps farmers adopt cost-effective practices that reduce erosion and runoff into ponds, streams, and rivers. This, in turn, helps farmers comply with state and federal laws. MAEAP is a voluntary program. We recognize and reward top stewards of the land. This is a state program delivered by conservation districts, local leaders you know. MAEAP is open to any Michigan farmer. There are four categories of recognition: 1) Cropping, 2) Livestock, 3) Farmstead, and 4) Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat.
You can earn:
- Recognition as a top steward in the community
- Regulatory protections
- Preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost share
- An enduring sense of accomplishment and pride
We promise:
- The program is 100% confidential, guaranteed by state law
- We will treat you and your business with respect
- We will help you with the paperwork and red tape
- We will help you leave a legacy for your children
MAEAP recognition is
- Achievable. Farms have earned more than 5000 verifications across the state
- Something to be proud of. You can be among the top 5% of farms who have earned this designation so far
What MAEAP-Recognized Farmers Say
Art Lister
Lister Orchards
"A big advantage of the MAEAP program is that it’ is a proactive approach to work with producers. I want to know that I am doing everything I can to protect the environment, and this assures me that I am doing just that."
Gary Dittmer
Dittmer Farms
“When you get into the program, you find that you’re already doing 80-90% of the things you should be doing. It is a good thing for farms to show the community.”
Pete Conrad
Conrad Farms Inc.
“The MAEAP program has added value to our farm. Reassurance that we are being great stewards of our farm’s resources has been a major part of this value.”