Several Michigan farms were honored earlier this week for their commitment to pollution prevention and environmental conservation.

For the past several years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal government has focused considerable time, energy, and resources promoting green agriculture and environmental stewardship. At the most extreme level, this concern with protecting the environment has taken the form of tougher pollution regulations (with particular emphasis by the Environmental Protection Agency in the Chesapeake Bay).

In a less direct way, however, the USDA is helping fund state efforts to protect the environment through voluntary measures. Michigan’s recent awards speak to the successes of these voluntary agricultural programs. The Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, a part of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and partially funded by federal grants, recently praised Michigan farmers for their environmental consciousness.

“Interest in Michigan’s voluntary, proactive program for assuring effective land stewardship practices on farms is growing. I applaud [Michigan farmers] for their proactive environmental steps to assure effective land stewardship practices and becoming MAEAP verified,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture officials in a news release.

Farmers who apply for the verification process agree to submit to regular state and federal inspection in exchange for tax benefits and financial support.

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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer