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Voluntary environmental verifications are increasing on Michigan farms

The Michigan Department of Agriculture says environmental verifications increased 36 percent from last year.

Director Jamie Clover Adams tells Brownfield the Department completed almost 1,000 Michigan Agriculture Environmental Program (MAEAP) verifications in 2015.

“Farmers really do see the value of this voluntary incentive-based program and I think that it’s a way to show the public that voluntary can work, farmers are stepping up and we are seeing improvements in water quality.”

Clover Adams says the conservation districts are the backbone of the program.  “They’re the ones that are out working every day with farmers in their communities, they’re a trusted adviser and are extremely critical to bringing the information to farmers about the program.”

The voluntary assurance program walks farmers through risk assessments for cropping, farmstead and livestock systems. Farmers and private landowners can also be verified in the new forest, wetland and habitat system.

Clover Adams says the Department has set a goal of 6,000 MAEAP verifications by 2020.

AUDIO: Interview with Jamie Clover Adams