Cropping system
Verification in the Cropping System recognizes farms that have taken great strides to ensure their farm reflects a commitment to good stewardship of the land and water.
The Cropping category focuses on field-based activities such as water use, soil conservation, and nutrient management. This category applies to all crops grown in Michigan. These include field crops, vegetables, fruit orchards, greenhouse crops, and ornamental trees.
To earn recognition, invite a MAEAP technician to visit your farm. He or she will help you assess your farm, develop a plan of action, and fill out paperwork. Plans are tailored to the types of crops your farm raises. All plans lay out steps you can take to prevent erosion and runoff while continuing to raise healthy crops. Plans must meet Michigan Right-to-Farm guidelines and comply with state and federal laws. The technician will also provide you with information on financial and technical assistance that you may find helpful. You are free to implement your plan’s recommended steps on your own time.
Once the work is complete, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). 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.
Once your farm is “verified,” you will receive a sign to display on your farm. You can buy a second sign if needed. You will also receive preference for cost-share, tax credits, and other financial assistance.
Your MAEAP recognition is good for five years. To maintain MAEAP recognition, you must review your plan with a MAEAP technician and request a farm visit from MDARD.
To earn recognition, invite a MAEAP technician to visit your farm. He or she will help you assess your farm, develop a plan of action, and fill out paperwork. Plans are tailored to the types of crops your farm raises. All plans lay out steps you can take to prevent erosion and runoff while continuing to raise healthy crops. Plans must meet Michigan Right-to-Farm guidelines and comply with state and federal laws. The technician will also provide you with information on financial and technical assistance that you may find helpful. You are free to implement your plan’s recommended steps on your own time.
Once the work is complete, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). 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.
Once your farm is “verified,” you will receive a sign to display on your farm. You can buy a second sign if needed. You will also receive preference for cost-share, tax credits, and other financial assistance.
Your MAEAP recognition is good for five years. To maintain MAEAP recognition, you must review your plan with a MAEAP technician and request a farm visit from MDARD.
Contact
Contact our MAEAP TA for more information.
- MAEAP Technician
Cell:
email:
- MAEAP Technician
Cell:
email:
