LAINGSBURG, Mich. - Interest in Michigan's voluntary, proactive program for assuring effective land stewardship practices on farms is growing, announced Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Director Keith Creagh.  The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing Lee Sesquicentennial Farm, in Shiawassee County, as the 1000th verification.

 "The Lee Family and all Michigan MAEAP verified farms are a symbol of the commitment to our state's long-term agriculture economic success and environmental safeguarding," said Creagh.  "I applaud Lee Sesquicentennial Farm for their proactive steps in assuring effective land stewardship practices."

To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risks.  MDARD 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.

"It gives me a great sense of pride to be able to say that Lee Farms is MAEAP verified. Getting to this point has been a real educational experience. I would like to thank the staff members from the Shiawassee Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service for all the time and effort they have spent working with me to help identify and address the environmental risks on our farm. It was a lot of hard work and dedication, but knowing that my farm is environmentally sound makes it all worthwhile," said Larry Lee.

Michigan's Conservation Districts play an important role in MAEAP by providing local assistance to those interested in assuring that their farm is environmentally sound.  Michigan Conservation Districts work closely with farmers to identify environmental risks and offer technical assistance and conservation planning to address those risks.

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of producers, MDARD, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 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.

"MSU Extension educators have been working with farmers since the beginning of the program to make sure they are armed with all the knowledge necessary to keep their farms environmentally sound," said Tom Coon, director of Michigan State University Extension and co-chair of the MAEAP advisory council. "We are proud of the progress we've made, and our commitment to the program remains strong."

"Michigan Farm Bureau congratulates Lee Farms in earning Michigan's 1000th MAEAP verification and thanks all hard working farmers across the state who have been MAEAP verified.  These leaders have created a path for all Michigan farmers to be recognized as protectors of our natural resources while providing for the needs of their neighbors and the world," said Scott Piggott, Co-chair Environmental Assurance Advisory Council.

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.  By participating in all three systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.

Lee Farms is verified farm in the Farming, Cropping and Livestock Systems for implementing appropriate pollution prevention practices.  For more information, visit the MAEAP Web site at www.maeap.org or contact Jan Wilford, MDARD Environmental Stewardship Division, at 517-241-4730.

                                                                                    ###

MAEAP Partnership Quotes

"MAEAP is a perfect example of government extending a hand, assisting farmers to better protect our natural resources and Conservation Districts are proud to deliver this proactive program at the local level to Michigan's farmers."
Mike Lawless, President, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts

"The MAEAP is a valuable way of communicating with our neighbors, our buyers and our customers that this farm and these growers have made a significant commitment to sustaining their environment, while remaining a competitive, profitable family farm. We appreciate this grower family's enthusiasm for the MAEAP program.  It makes us all look good."

Denise Donohue, Executive Director, Michigan Apple Committee

"I am delighted that MAEAP has reached 1000 verifications and helped so many Michigan farmers demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship of their land. As a long term partner of the MAEAP program, MIFFS is pleased to see this day of celebration come."

Elaine Brown, Executive Director, Michigan Food & Farming Systems

"Lee Farms is a shining example of what the MAEAP program is all about.  Their practices typify the understanding and dedication Michigan farmers have in protecting our state's precious farmland for future generations. Farmers are the original stewards of the land and with today's technological advances, farmers can do even more today than they could a few years ago."

Jody Pollok-Newsom, Executive Director, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan

"We congratulate the Lee Farm and all the Michigan farmers who have made the commitment to become MAEAP verified farms. Their desire to be the best possible stewards of their land and natural resources is a true reflection of the dedication farmers have to the environment. MMPA is a proud supporter of the MAEAP program. We will continue to work alongside our member farms helping them to achieve MAEAP verifications."

Gary Trimner, Director of Member Services and Quality Control, Michigan Milk Producers Association

"As one of the organizations that was instrumental in developing the MAEAP program, Michigan Pork Producers Association is pleased this significant milestone has been reached and applauds Michigan producers for taking the steps necessary to become verified.  Taking such an important step confirms Michigan producers are concerned about the environment and want to operate in a way that sustains it for future generations."

Samuel C. Hines, Executive Vice President, Michigan Pork Producers Association

"MAEAP is about protecting the Environment and Stewardship. The Lee Family is a shining example of agriculture's commitment to conservation and pollution prevention. Congratulations to the Lee family and all MAEAP Partners!"

Philip J. Korson II, President, Cherry Marketing Institute

Fan us! facebook.com/MIDeptofAgriculture
Follow us on Twitter @MichDeptofAg
Watch us! youtube.com/MIAgriculture