MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM

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:

Farmstead

Cropping

Livestock

Forest, Wetlands, & Habitat

Doug Darling

Darling Farms

“We are participating in MAEAP because we recognize the benefit to the environment, our community and our farming operation. I encourage more farms to pursue verification in MAEAP.”

Bruce and Jennifer Lewis

Pleasant View Dairy

“We believe electively opting to participate in MAEAP… will help farmers keep up with the rapid pace of environmental and sustainability-based industry changes… The fourth generation is now learning and preparing for their future as we all try to leave our farmstead better than we found it.”

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.”

Click the button to schedule a free and 100% confidential visit with your local MAEAP Technician to discuss whether this voluntary program is right for you.

Contact MAEAP

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:

Acheivable. Farms have earned more than 6,000 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

~ Steps to becoming MAEAP Verified ~

Learn

Attend a workshop or schedule a private meeting to learn if MAEAP is right for you. Alternatively, you can review educational materials on the MAEAP website at your own pace.

Farm Visit and Recommendations

Invite a MAEAP technician to tour your farm. This technician will explain the program and recommend practical steps you can take to reduce erosion and runoff into public waters.

Everything the technician learns about your farm will remain confidential and will not be shared with your competition or environmental regulators. This is guaranteed by state law.

Implement

Do the work at your own pace. Our MAEAP technicians are here to help you every step of the way. A technician will help you develop your plan of action and fill out paperwork. He or she will also steer you to cost-share and expert help, if requested.

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.