MAEAP and Farming

What is Maeap and what can we do for you

Welcome!

We are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.

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 the process.
We will help you leave a legacy for your children.

MAEAP Recognition Is

Achievable. Thousands of farms have earned this designation already.
Something to be proud of. Be among the top 5% of farms who have earned this designation so far.

MAEAP law and what it means for Michigan farmers

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program was codified into law in March of 2011. This video addresses what it means for Michigan Farmers, program goals, and sources available to help.

What is maeap?

Started in 1998, MAEAP is a voluntary program that recognizes farmers who are top stewards of their land. 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. The program includes four steps:

Attend an education workshop
Invite a local MAEAP technician to tour your farm
Implement practices recommended by the technician
Earn recognition for your work

MAEAP recognition can be earned in one or more of four areas: Farmstead; Cropping; Livestock; and Forest, Wetlands, & Habitat. Farmers who earn MAEAP recognition will receive a sign to place on their farm.

MAEAP is open to all Michigan farmers. You can start MAEAP at any time. Farmers who start or receive recognition by certain dates will be at an advantage for cost share, grants, and other assistance programs.

Thousands of farmers have already received their MAEAP designations. Earn yours today!

This program is free. Everything we learn about your farm is 100% confidential. This is guaranteed by state law.

MAEAP: Phase 1

This updated for 2014 powerpoint offers an informational look into the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) with program verifier Joe Kelpinski. This video is good for one unit of Phase 1 credit towards your verification.

MAEAP Success in Gratiot County

Eight system verifications with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program were achieved July 28, 2017 on farms with the Alma FFA, A&E Ag, Gibson Chi-Angus Farm and G&G Farms. Congratulations to all of you!

What is the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

MAEAP is a confidential, helpful process of working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to meet environmental laws. It is a comprehensive, voluntary, proactive program designed to reduce farmers’ legal and environmental risks through a three-phase process.

Three-phase Process:

Education
Farm-specific Risk Assessment
On-farm Verification that ensures the farmer has implemented environmentally sound practices.

The program’s four systems each examine different aspects of the farm.
The four systems are:

Farmstead
Cropping
Livestock
Forest, Wetlands and Habitats

Reasons to be MAEAP Verified:

Confirm, improve and be proud of your natural resource stewardship and help your neighbors and community understand your respect for the environment.
Avoid civil fines and penalties if your farm is faced with an unintentional, accidental discharge to the water or an “Act of God Weather Event.”
Use the MAEAP logo and MAEAP sign to market your farm and farm products.
Be recognized by peers, member organizations, and local government as a leader who is setting the bar in farm management and environmental stewardship.
Boost your access to cost-share funds.
Receive up to a 20% discount on the Liability Portion of your Farm Bureau Insurance Farmowner’s Policy premium.
Confidence that you are in conformance with applicable Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices.
If a farm is MAEAP verified in all applicable “systems” and is in a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Watershed, the farm will be considered as implementing the practices needed to meet a TMDL.