By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is designed to encourage farmers and agricultural landowners to actively participate in preserving the state’s water resources. This voluntary program allows participants to implement conservation practices that enhance water quality across Minnesota's diverse ecosystems.
Participants who successfully adopt and maintain approved management practices receive a certification valid for ten years. This certification offers several benefits:
Regulatory Certainty: Certified producers are assured that they will be considered in compliance with any new water quality regulations that may be introduced during their certification period.
Recognition: Certification enables producers to promote their businesses as actively engaged in protecting water quality, enhancing their public image and marketability.
Priority for Assistance: Those pursuing certification gain priority access to technical and financial assistance, helping them implement effective water quality practices more efficiently.
The public benefits from this program by having assurance that certified producers are committed to using sustainable practices that protect the water quality of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
This initiative not only supports environmental sustainability but also promotes a positive community relationship between agriculture and public health.
For more detailed information about the MAWQCP and how to get involved, interested parties can visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's official program page at www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcp.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-zms
Categories: Minnesota, General