A recently enacted law will expand the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), a voluntary program to help farmers improve environmental practices and reward those that meet certain standards with less state oversight and protection from some legal liabilities. To become MAEAP-verified, farmers must complete three steps: (1) educational seminars, (2) a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and (3) development and implementation of an action plan addressing potential environmental risks. The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) conducts an on-farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, including GAAMPs. To retain MAEAP verification, a farm must repeat all three steps including MDA inspection every three years. After becoming MAEAP verified, a farm can display a MAEAP sign signifying that the farm is environmentally assured. The most significant incentive for the program is a limited exemption to liability for groundwater contamination on MAEAP-certified farms. For more information please contact Matt Eugster.
↧