Agriculture's role in environmental protection
Farmers are the original conservationists: they depend on and work to preserve the soil, water, and air around their farms. Protecting those natural resources allows farmers to grow a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply. However, farmers face an increasingly complex web of regulations, recommendations, and voluntary conservation programs meant to protect natural resources. The multiple agencies, programs, and requirements can be difficult to fit into a farm’s management.
Michigan Farm Bureau can help! This page provides resources on regulatory requirements, voluntary programs, and useful information to help farmers with their conservation efforts. It includes links to additional information and grass roots member policy on environmental issues, from climate issues to wetlands, from pesticide regulation to chemical contaminants and other topics in between.
Need help with an environmental regulation or conservation program? Have a suggestion for another resource that would be helpful to fellow farmers? Reach out to Michigan Farm Bureau’s environmental specialists with your questions and ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
This groundwater discharge permitting FAQ provides an overview of the most common questions farmers may have.
This fact sheet provides information about the regulations and environmental effects of PFAS for Michigan farmers.
This carbon credit FAQ provides an overview of the most common questions farmers may have.
This white paper provides an overview of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) as well as the benefits of participation.
This white paper provides a description of anaerobic digesters as well as the benefits to building them in Michigan.
This white paper explains the goals and implications of the EPA Pesticide Strategy, how it may impact pesticide use on your farm, and how to interpret label requirements and calculate runoff risk points.
This white paper provides permitting guidance for farmers planning dredging, excavating, and/or drainage activities near wetlands and waterways.
This task force report from Michigan Farm Bureau members and staff outlines key water quality challenges facing Michigan agriculture and offer policy recommendations, tools, and strategies to help farmers protect water resources while maintaining productive operations.
This white paper will overview state and national conversations around climate along with considerations for farmers looking to participate in an ecosystem services program.
