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Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program |
The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is a voluntary program from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) that helps farms prevent or reduce agricultural pollution risks. This is a state program delivered by local conservation districts. Farms of all sizes and commodities may be eligible to earn MAEAP-verified status in Cropping, Farmstead, Livestock, and Forest, Wetlands & Habitats Systems.
MAEAP-verified farms may display their status as top stewards in the community with a complimentary sign. Farms recognized by MAEAP may earn insurance discounts, regulatory protections, and preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost share. Click here to see some MAEAP-verified farms in our region.
The Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District team includes a MAEAP technician. A MAEAP technician can assist with the process and paperwork to achieve MAEAP-verified status. Kaylie Landrum is the MAEAP technician for Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties. Fill out the MAEAP Contact from below to schedule a free and confidential appointment with our MAEAP technician.
MAEAP-verified farms may display their status as top stewards in the community with a complimentary sign. Farms recognized by MAEAP may earn insurance discounts, regulatory protections, and preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost share. Click here to see some MAEAP-verified farms in our region.
The Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District team includes a MAEAP technician. A MAEAP technician can assist with the process and paperwork to achieve MAEAP-verified status. Kaylie Landrum is the MAEAP technician for Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties. Fill out the MAEAP Contact from below to schedule a free and confidential appointment with our MAEAP technician.
Brief History of MAEAP
MAEAP Process
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LearnAttend a workshop or schedule a private meeting to learn if MAEAP is right for you. Alternately, you can review educational materials on the MAEAP website at your own pace.
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Farm Visit & RecommendationsInvite 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.
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ImplementDo 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. They will also steer you to cost share and expert help, if you want.
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RecognitionOnce the work is complete, you can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. A verifier from Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (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 MDARD.
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What Local MAEAP-Recognized Farmers Say
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." |