News

Updated fees will improve environmental resources

Changes to Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program funding will provide more resources to farmers.  The voluntary program walks farmers though assessments to improve farming practices that protect water quality and the environment.

Jim Johnson with the Michigan Department of Agriculture says the Michigan legislature approved fee changes that will expand funding.

“There was a lot of discussion about changing the structure for collection of fees on the fertilizer side to better reflect the issues associated with phosphorus as well.”  Flat rate collections on fertilizer and pesticide registrations will simplify the previous funding structure.

Johnson tells Brownfield, the agricultural community continues to be actively engaged in improving their management practices to be better environmental stewards.

“The farm community in the Western Lake Erie Basin, on the Michigan side, has been doing a lot to address their use of fertilizer within that area.”  He says practices like drainage control systems and site-specific fertilizer applications are helping reduce agriculture’s impact.

Johnson says the expanded funding will also allow for more technicians in sensitive areas, fertilizer research and recognition of farmers taking steps toward voluntary verification.

AUDIO: Interview with Jim Johnson (15:34 mp3):