Apr 26, 2016

USDA to assist farmers with environmental assurance

USDSA is making financial assistance available to Michigan farmers seeking to have their operations environmentally verified through the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

MAEAP is a voluntary program created in Michigan that allows producers to have their operations environmentally verified through any of four systems including farmstead, cropping, livestock and forest. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is targeting financial assistance to producers for implementing conservation practices needed to complete their MAEAP verification. Farmers and private forest owners must submit an application by May 20, to be eligible for current year funding.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service can provide financial assistance to implement practices such as fueling facilities and agrichemical handling facilities that may be required for MAEAP verification. The assistance is intended for producers who have started the MAEAP verification process but must implement one or two conservation practices to qualify.

MAEAP verification demonstrates that a farm or private forest operation utilizes sound environmental practices. More information about MAEAP verification is available online at the MAEAP website.

Producers interested in applying for financial assistance to complete their MAEAP verification should contact their local USDA Service Center. A listing of local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices is available online at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.