Local farms recognized for pollution prevention

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently recognized 31 farms for implementing appropriate pollution prevention practices.

The agency’s Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program assists farmers to comply with state and federal environmental regulations, and with Right to Farm practices. Technical assistance was provided by local Conservation Districts.

Among area farms, those receiving acknowledgment were: Brossman’s Farm of Vandalia as a verified farm in cropping and farmstead systems; Jeff Steinkraus Forest of Marcellus as a verified farm in forestry, wetlands and habitat system; and Riverside Apple Farm of Sturgis as a verified farm in cropping, farmstead and livestock systems.

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation and environmental groups, and state and federal

agencies.