Farmers — like other rural and urban residents — are concerned about nonpoint source pollution affecting Michigan's surface and groundwater. Protecting surface and groundwater is a priority, and we recognize agriculture shares this responsibility with many others.
Nonpoint source pollution prevention programs implemented by state and federal agencies should reflect a coordinated, integrated and consistent management approach. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) should coordinate all agricultural nonpoint source pollution programs.
Michigan's conservation districts are an important component of nonpoint source pollution programs. These voluntary programs are best administered by locally elected conservation district boards who understand their community's needs and problems.
Agriculture should lead watershed management, or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will make efforts to place permits on the industry. We encourage full representation of agricultural interests in watershed initiative projects funded through the Clean Water Act. Any management practices prescribed by the project should be voluntary rather than mandatory. Municipalities share the same responsibilities to our environment and should be held to the same standards and penalties as private individuals.
We support:
Fertilizer and Nutrient Management
- Fertilizer retailers becoming certified in the 4R (Right fertilizer source, Right rate, Right time, Right place) Nutrient Stewardship Program and/or similar fertilizer management efforts.
- Michigan Farm Bureau coordinating with neighboring states and Canada where a watershed is shared to reduce nutrient loading issues.
- University, state and federal programs promptly updating guidelines when nutrient research is completed, so farmers have time to implement them.
- Additional research on dissolved phosphorus.
- Continued education on appropriate phosphorus and other nutrient use.
- Biosolids applications being consistent with the guidelines in the Michigan Water Environment Association’s Land Application of Biosolids in Michigan Management Recommendations.
- The current regulated use of biosolids as a source of nutrients on farmland as allowed in the Right to Farm Act.
Conservation and Pollution Prevention Programs
- The farm bill providing opportunities for farmers to address conservation programs on farms.
- The continued refining of conservation program delivery to ensure the process is transparent, consistent and simple to participating farmers. We appreciate newly available technical and financial assistance to address on-farm above-ground fuel tanks and liquid fertilizer storage.
- Developing nutrient management plans for all farms.
- Continuing the cost-share provided to producers for conservation practices.
- A state-funded cover crop and filter strip cost-share program.
- The Clean Sweep Program with MDARD accepting responsibility for future liability for chemicals collected.
- Legislation clarifying forest management practices are not point sources of pollution.
- Developing baseline environmental standards for agriculture in line with current production standards and methods.
- Conservation program eligibility being determined by total environmental benefit rather than location within the watershed.
- Coordinated efforts to expedite soil stabilization permits.
- MFB being involved in fiscally responsible strategies to fund voluntary conservation practices.
- The existing Soil and Sedimentation Control Act exemption for plowing, tilling and other agricultural and land improvement activities.
- Eliminating the acreage cap for Michigan’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.
Water Quality and Watershed Management
- Use of the Saginaw Bay Optimization Model.
- Modifying the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan to better support farmers.
- Prioritizing funding for conservation practices to address impaired waters.
- Streamlining the funding process to improve water quality at the farm level.
- The use of peer-reviewed science to determine water quality.
- MFB taking a leadership role in developing protocols for water quality monitoring.
- An unbiased study to determine contributors negatively impacting water quality before additional regulations are imposed upon agriculture.
- Farm Bureau members participating in voluntary water quality monitoring programs, in which results are kept confidential.
- Farmer representation on local boards and commissions making decisions on environmental policies such as land use and watershed planning.
- Encouraging state and local governments to utilize buffer strips around government owned buildings and parking areas.
We oppose:
- Water quality monitoring of ditches and streams selectively performed to incriminate individuals and not performed by certified individuals in accordance with EGLE protocols.
- Additional environmental permits for agricultural non-point source pollution.
- Restricting phosphorus for agricultural use if producers follow GAAMPs or soil testing by a certified lab.
- Giving legal standing or rights to natural resources and bodies of water.