Sustainable Local Agriculture

The Grand Traverse Conservation District’s roots run deep in agriculture. Since the dust-bowl era of the 1930s, we have been working hand in hand with local farmers to protect our shared natural resources and foster a truly sustainable local agricultural community. From consulting on soil erosion and water stewardship practices, to proper chemical storage and food safety considerations, we are constantly on the forefront of bettering the farming landscape in northwest-lower Michigan.

Our work with farmers has evolved into two “Michigan-grown” programs, working in tandem, to promote the safest, most environmentally-friendly agricultural products possible. These programs are:

Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) – MAEAP aims to help farmers (and other private property owners) undertake voluntary management changes that will reduce the threat of groundwater contamination and improve the quality of our region’s fragile watersheds.

Safe Food Risk Assessment – Michigan’s Safe Food Risk Assessment is a voluntary small-farm, scale appropriate program designed to educate producers about food safety and recognize those who use safe food management practices (while protecting consumer safety). The Grand Traverse Conservation District is one of two Michigan organizations piloting this program.