The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) provides educational, technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and residents to identify and reduce groundwater contamination risks. The program encourages individuals to take voluntary, proactive steps to protect Michigan's water quality and, therefore, the quality of drinking water. Purchases of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides support the program.

More than $3 million are distributed annually through a competitive grants process to local stewardship teams that set local groundwater protection priorities on the basis of local needs. Agricultural producers who participate in the program can become environmentally assured through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Environmental assurance indicates the farm is in conformance with state and federal environmental laws and guidelines, and that it is protecting Michigan's important natural resources for the use of future generations.

Programs currently available on a local basis:

Farm*A*Syst - A tool that provides a free, confidential farmstead assessment. Benefits include:

• Protect the soil, water and other resources
• Family health and safety
• FAS helps producers comply with the Michigan Right to Farm guidelines (GAAMPs).
• Cost share dollars are available for eligible improvements
• RUP credits
• Free risk reduction supplies
• Farm insurance discounts
• MAEAP verification

Greenhouse*A*Syst - A tool that provides a free, confidential greenhouse assessment. Benefits include:

• Risk reduction and environmentally friendly operation
• Family, employee and customer safety
• RUP credits
• MAEAP verification
• Insurance discounts
• Cost share for eligible practices

For more information, please contact Ken Kesson at 517-676-2290 ext. 109.