MAEAP
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program:
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. MAEAP's mission is to develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations.
This is a voluntary and proactive program which is designed to help farmers’ reduce legal and environmental risks through a comprehensive process. The program has a number of systems, farmstead, cropping and livestock to name a few. With confidentiality guaranteed by law, MAEAP provides a structure under which Michigan farmers can be assured they are effectively following approved MAEAP standards.
To get the process started reach out to the MAEAP Technician for Saginaw and Bay Counties, Zackery Spiekerman. Please feel free to contact our office at any time if you are interested in joining the program or have any questions.
Phase 1 (Education)
On Farm Assessment
On Farm Verification
Farmstead
Cropping
Livestock
FWH
The MAEAP Process involves three steps:
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Education
Education credit is obtained through attending local events put on by MAEAP technicians. (Speak with your local technician about events near you)​
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Farm Risk Assessment
Your local technician will set up a time to conduct a free, confidential visit to discuss the MAEAP program, address any potential areas of risk, and answer any questions.
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On Farm Verification
One all of the risk areas have been addressed an on farm verification visit will take place to finalize the MAEAP process. Once certified your verification is good for 5 years.
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Four Different Areas for Verification
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Farmstead
The Farmstead Category assesses the activities performed on the entire farm, with a focus on ground and surface water protection.
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Cropping
The Cropping Category assesses the activities performed out in the fields. All Michigan crops apply to this category including but not limited to, Row Crops, Fruits, vegetables, Orchards, Greenhouses, and Ornamental Crops
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Livestock
The Livestock Category focuses on animal production across the state. Any animal production operation, regardless of size or animals raised can apply.
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Forest and Wetland Habitat (FWH)
The FWH Category assesses the forested lands across the state to promote sustainable forestry, wetlands, and non-wetland habitats.
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Reasons for Verification
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Become and be recognized as an environmental steward dedicated to protecting natural resources within the community.
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Avoid civil fines associated with unintentional, accidental discharges into the environment and waterways.
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Use of the MAEAP logo and sign to market products and your farm
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Increase your access to Cost-share funds
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Leave a lasting legacy for the next generation
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59 Saginaw County verifications to date
Contact your Local Technician Zackery Today!
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Phone: (989) 341-5166
Email: zackery.spiekerman@macd.org​
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