State Legislature
Stewardship bill approved
Michigan’s environmental stewardship program will continue through at least 2021.
The Michigan legislature approved changes to Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act which funds the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program through fertilizer fees.
Matt Smego with Michigan Farm Bureau says updates can potentially add $1 million in funding to support expanded development.
“Because the focus on water quality has shifted beyond just nitrogen related issues to also include phosphorus, the collection for water quality should reflect that.”
He says fees of one dollar per ton on fertilizer sold in Michigan will be collected to support the state’s voluntary stewardship program.
Smego says the bill includes implementing a tiered recognition system for farmers, benchmarking and evaluating conservation practices, and extends voluntary verifications from three to five years for reverification.
AUDIO: Interview with Matt Smego (11:35 mp3):
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