Farmstead

The Farmstead System targets all Michigan farms, regardless of size or commodity. It is the one MAEAP system which is applicable to livestock and all the diverse cropping operations in Michigan, including traditional field crops, orchards, vegetable operations, greenhouses and nurseries. The Farmstead System addresses environmental risks of the entire farmstead, from safe handling of fuels to the proper storage of pesticides. It focuses primarily on protecting surface and ground water.

Farm*A*Syst is coordinated with resources provided by the Michigan Water Stewardship Program (MWSP). Your local Water Technician can help you complete the risk assessment and provide information about other educational, technical and financial assistance.

Verification

Once a plan to address the risks identified in the Farm*A*Syst (F*A*S) assessment has been developed, and immediate risks of groundwater and surface water contamination have been implemented, farmers can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) to request Farmstead System verification (517.373.9797 or ). An MDA MAEAP verifier will visit the farm to verify that the Farm*A*Syst plan has been implemented and to ensure that the farmer is addressing all applicable environmental risks.

Once a farm is "verified," a farmer can purchase a MAEAP farm or office sign and the farm is eligible for MAEAP sign rebates, cost-share incentives, tax credits, low-cost lending and reduced liability insurance premiums from participating companies.

In order to maintain MAEAP verification a farmer must attend a MAEAP educational session and request a site visit from MDA at least every three years.