Michigan produce growers can take advantage of other programs to further natural resource management, organic practices, and food safety certification goals while benefiting from financial assistance.
MAEAP
Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program
MAEAP (Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program) is a free, voluntary, and confidential program that aids farmers in protecting environmental resources such as groundwater. MAEAP verified farms can place a sign on their property to promote their farm to the public. MAEAP Technicians can offer cost-share funds to help growers pay for improvements on the farm related to MAEAP verification.
Want to learn more? Visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/environment/maeap
TOPP
Transition to Organic Partnership Program
Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) connects organic growers to farmers interested in organic practices via mentor-mentee relationships. Program participants are eligible to be paid. Organic certification is not required for participation as a mentor or mentee.
More information about TOPP here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/organictransition/About/
NRCS
Natural Resource Conservation Service
NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) is a federal program that can provide landowners with financial support for completing environmentally beneficial projects on their land. Examples of projects include: high tunnels, irrigation systems, cover cropping, pollinator plantings, windbreaks, and much more.
Learn more about NRCS at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
FSCSC
USDA Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program
helps specialty crop growers pay for program expenses related to renewing or
receiving a new food safety certification.
For more information, visit: https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus/pandemic-assistance/food-safety
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Article by Breanna Hannula, Produce Safety Technician