Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program

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Click the button below to reach out to the Eaton Conservation District MAEAP Technician.

​Eaton Conservation District's MAEAP program serves both Ingham and Eaton Counties.
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, commonly known as MAEAP, is a voluntary program to help landowners assess soil and water quality risks on their properties. Originally geared towards supporting farmers, MAEAP has expanded to offer technical assistance to forest, wetland, and wildlife habitat properties as well. 

MAEAP is 100% confidential, non-regulatory, and voluntary. Landowners are in the drivers seat of their MAEAP track.
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Incentives for participating in the MAEAP program include:
  • Discounts from select equipment, insurance, and fuel suppliers
  • Free educational opportunities
  • Special support in case of environmental emergencies
  • Opportunities for cost-share funds from the Eaton Conservation District for things like chemical spill kits, concrete pads for fuel and chemical loading areas, soil and water tests, etc


Additionally, landowners receive a sign that can be proudly displayed to show dedication to environmental stewardship. The MAEAP sign confirms to passersby that your farm or forest is properly managed, and also brings a great positive reaction from consumers and the public.

Click here to see the MAEAP incentives offered by Michigan Farm Bureau and other supporters. 
Step 1: Education
Attend a MAEAP-supported educational event to learn about new and improving practices in agriculture and conservation.
Step 2: Risk Assessment
Your local MAEAP Technician will visit your farm, and evaluate any potential existing risks to soil and water quality on your property. This visit is 100% confidential, non-regulatory, and free. The technician may provide support in addressing any risks found.
Step 3: Verification
​An MDARD representative will come to your farm (upon invitation only) to confirm that any identified risks have been addressed, and provides technical assistance for any additional concerns.
MAEAP is open to any Michigan landowner and is not limited by size or practices.

​There are four categories of recognition: 1) Cropping, 2) Livestock, 3) Farmstead, and 4) Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat. 

Cropping

​The Cropping verification covers all crop production including greenhouse, row crops, hay and forage, floral, orchards, urban farms, etc.

​Click here to learn more about the MAEAP Cropping System.

Livestock

Any size livestock farm is welcome to undergo the MAEAP process, from small backyard sheep flocks to CAFO-sized operations.

​Click here to learn more about the MAEAP Livestock System.

Farmstead

The Farmstead verification is a combination of cropping and livestock with a focus on whole-farm systems. This is ideal for farms that integrate their livestock and crop management.

​Click here to learn more about the MAEAP Farmstead System.​

Forest, Wetlands, & Habitat

​The newest addition to the MAEAP program is Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat, also known as FWH. This is for non-ag landowners who participate in forest management, as well as those who want to conserve valuable Michigan woods and waters by maintaining precious habitat and wetland space.

​Click here to learn more about the MAEAP FWH System.

WHAT MAEAP-RECOGNIZED FARMERS SAY

Harag Farms
Mark Harag & Brian Harag
​Charlotte, MI

"When we decided to join the MAEAP program we knew it was the right thing to do.  This program is simply designed to help remind us to do our part to Keep America Beautiful. The MAEAP technicians were all very helpful in getting us started and verified. The amount of support from them is exceptional."

Ireland Bells Dairy
Kevin & Mary Cavanaugh
​Leslie, MI

“We think MAEAP is a great program with lots of opportunities. I became interested because it helped towards my Farmland Preservation credit. I'm happy to be a part of it!"

Tim & Sam Hollosy
​Williamston, MI

"MAEAP is invaluable because it's not just a program, but a roadmap to responsible land stewardship. Through MAEAP I was introduced to a valuable network of foresters and like-minded conservationists that helped validate and expand our family's ideas of what it meant to take care of our forest and wetlands. MAEAP helped us create forest management plan that will be invaluable in the years to come as we realize our goals to create a more diverse and complex ecosystem for wildlife and future generations to enjoy."

    MAEAP & Eaton/Ingham Counties Agriculture Newsletter