July 22 , 2010

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, and Michigan Farm Bureau today applauded Romence Gardens, the last farm within the Grand Rapids city limits, for demonstrating environmental responsibility and joining an elite group of Michigan greenhouses to become verified by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

"MAEAP is designed to be one of the most effective and feasible ways for growers to position their operations to safeguard both the environment and the farm’s long term economic viability," said MDA Director Don Koivisto. "By sharing technological information as well as monitoring and recording changes in the way producers manage problems, MAEAP helps farmers find solutions for potential pollution issues."

Over 800 Michigan farms, including eight greenhouses, are MAEAP verified. Joining this elite program is Romence Gardens, which completed the comprehensive Greenhouse*A*Syst risk assessment that pinpoints best practices in water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. Technical assistance was provided by Rob Stein of the Kent County Conservation District.

"Michigan farmers care about the environment and the Romence family is proof of that. They have voluntarily committed their own investment and time to take proactive steps that allow them to grow their business and enhance Michigan's agriculture industry without jeopardizing the environment," said Michigan Farm Bureau President Wayne H. Wood. "Romence Gardens and the nearly 1,000 other MAEAP-verified farms in Michigan are statewide role models and real-life examples of how MAEAP benefits Michigan."

RomenceGardensis a family owned and operated retail greenhouse open year round with flowering plants for all seasons. For 75 years, three generations of the Romence family have sustained this independent Grand Rapids business.

“As a greenhouse, one of our main environmental concerns is water use and disposal. As we moved forward with facility renovation, many improvements were made so all water used is recycled into holding tanks, the soil is sent to a recycling center and only minimal quantities of pesticides and fertilizers are stored,” said Bill Romence, General Manager and Owner of Romence Gardens. “We are honored to be recognized by MAEAP for our sustainable practices.”

To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps, which include educational seminars, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risks. MDA conducts an on-farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, Michigan Right to Farm guidelines, and adherence to an action plan. When completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every three years and action steps must be followed.

MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives while best managing both time and resources. The program encompasses three systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each system - Livestock, Farmstead, and Cropping - examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. Verified greenhouses have met all requirements in both the Farmstead and Cropping Systems.

The program is a collaborative effort of Michigan producers, MDA, Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Michigan Farm Bureau, commodity organizations, Michigan State University, conservation groups, and other state and federal agencies. More than 150 local coordinators and technical service providers are available to assist farmers as they move through the MAEAP process toward verification. To date, approximately 10,000 farmers have attended educational programs.

For more information, visit the MAEAP website at www.maeap.org or contact Jan Wilford, MDA Environmental Stewardship Division, at 517-241-4730.

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