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August 11, 2012

Ag Forum: Forefront of enhancing farming

By Dan Busby ----

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 enhancing the farming landscape in northwest Michigan.

Over the years, the district has worked with farmers planting windbreaks, implementing soil conservation practices, closing abandoned wells, and, in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), helps farmers to access federal dollars for assistance with farm improvements that reduce risks to our water and soil resources. Our important work with farmers has evolved into two "Michigan-grown" programs working in tandem to promote sustainable environmentally-friendly farms that incorporate food safety management practices.

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is a pro-active, voluntary program that works with farmers on implementing effective land stewardship practices and helps producers identify and prevent agricultural pollution risks on their farms. MAEAP technicians work with farmers to evaluate their entire operation and encourage sustainable, science-based management decisions that balance environmental, economic, and social factors. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) conducts a confidential on-farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations. To retain MAEAP verification, a farm must review verification requirements, including MDARD inspection, every three years.

You should be proud to know that our local agricultural community is leading the way in the state in MAEAP verifications. Over 100 farms in the Grand Traverse Region have gone to great lengths to become MAEAP-verified and deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their voluntary efforts to safeguard our natural resources.

Michigan's Safe Food Risk Assessment Program is designed to address the important priority of food safety for the emerging small farm/locally grown food community. It's a voluntary tool designed to educate producers, evaluate on-farm practices, provide food safety technical assistance, and recognize local growers who follow safe food practices. Using good production, harvest, and post-harvest management practices that keep disease-causing organisms and other contaminants off produce will ensure the wellness of customers and the success of the local produce business.

The Grand Traverse region is well-known for the quality and diversity of its local food and has therefore been selected as one of only two areas in the state to receive a State grant to support a dedicated food safety specialist.

With increased awareness of agriculture's over $90 billion dollar impact on the state's economy, the Grand Traverse Conservation District will continue to play a key role supporting area farmers: providing environmental and food safety assistance, connecting farmers with conservation programs, working cooperatively on land protection efforts, and working to ensure the vitality of our region's farms.

To learn more about the district's work with the agricultural community, check out our website at www.natureiscalling.org or contact Dan Busby or Garrett Coggon at (231) 941-0960.

Dan Busby is the Northwest Michigan Water Stewardship Coordinator for the Grand Traverse Conservation District.

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