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Jackson County Conservation District |
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Innovation and Hard Work Pay Off as Farmers Step to the Plate
Congratulations to Dick Ekins of Family Crest Farm and Butch Lincoln of Lincoln Farms! They were the first two agricultural producers in Jackson County to become environmentally verified in the farmstead system through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Be sure to congratulate them on their efforts and achievements.
MAEAP is an innovative, proactive, program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. MAEAP teaches farmers how to identify and prevent environmental risks and comply with state and federal regulations. Farmers who successfully complete the three phases of a MAEAP system are rewarded by becoming verified in that system. MAEAP was developed by a coalition of agricultural producers, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and conservation and environmental groups.
Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation. As a result, a one size fits al approach to environmental protection simply does not work on Michigan farms. MAEAP effectively overcomes areas of concentration known as “systems.” They are the: Livestock system, Farmstead System, and Cropping System which producers can become verified in all three systems applicable to their farm.
Common to all MAEAP systems is a three-phase program including: Phase 1-Education, Phase 2- On farm risk assessment, Phase 3- Third party verification. Verification in each MAEAP system requires meeting all three phases for that system.
Benefits to producers include public reassurance that farmers are using environmentally sound practices which will help foster positive community and neighbor relations. Also, the Michigan Right to Farm Act affords nuisance protection to producers who follow the state’s Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMP’s). MAEAP assures farmers have used effective tools for assessing and correcting environmental risks, and can help minimize enforcement penalties. MAEAP verified farms are recognized as outstanding environmental stewards and are eligible for cost share incentives, tax credits, low cost lending and reduced liability insurance premiums from participating companies.
If you are interested in MAEAP, please contact the Jackson Conservation District @ (517) 782-7404
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