About MAEAP

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.

This voluntary verification program — facilitated regionally by GTCD’s MAEAP Technicians — helps farms become compliant with relevant state and federal environmental laws and regulations, as well as align with the Right-to-Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).

We’re here to help

GTCD’s MAEAP Technicians (AKA: “MAEAP Techs”) are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.

Through MAEAP verification you can earn:

• Recognition as a top steward in the community,

• Regulatory protections,

• Preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost share, and

• An enduring sense of accomplishment and pride.

Our promise to you:

• This program is 100% confidential, as guaranteed by State law.

• We will treat you and your business with respect.

• We will help you with both the paperwork and the process.

• We will help you leave a legacy for your children.

MAEAP recognition is:

• Achievable — thousands of farms have earned this designation already.

• Something to be proud of! Be among the top 5% of farms who have earned this designation so far.

Getting Verified

The MAEAP program encompasses four systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. The first three systems — Cropping, Farmstead and Livestock — examine a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. The fourth system — Forest, Wetland & Habitat — evaluates environmental risks on managed non-agricultural lands, such as woodlots or upland habitat areas. Within each system there are three phases that must be completed in order to become verified. These phases are:

1. Education involves farmer attendance at a qualified MAEAP educational session or by participating in online Education Sessions.

2. On-Farm Risk Assessment focuses on evaluating environmental risks and devising farm-specific and economically viable solutions. Each MAEAP system implements a unique risk-assessment tool developed to address the environmental impacts of that system. Also, each assessment includes the development of an emergency plan.

3. Third-Party Verification is where the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) verifies the farm after the requirements of Phases 1 and 2 are met, the State's Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) are being followed, and the farm has implemented practices specific to system requirements.

Through each phase, producers will develop and implement economically feasible, effective, and environmentally sound pollution-prevention practices.