MAWQCP Insider

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Year End Update

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) has been operating statewide for two and a half years. In this time, the program has certified 689 producers managing more than 450,000 acres in Minnesota. These producers have implemented over 1,300 new conservation practices that reduce 24,304 tons of sediment, 61,543 tons of soil, and 28,521 pounds of phosphorous runoff per year, and reduce nitrogen loss by up to 49% per year.

The DNR to enroll state-owned cropland in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has committed to pursuing certification of 15,000 acres of croplands it owns and manages as part of a statewide effort to protect water quality. “The DNR needs to be a leader in ensuring croplands we manage contribute to water quality goals,” said Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner. “The certification program demonstrates to us, and to the people of Minnesota, that we are using best practices in our land management activities.” Photo: DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr and MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson. Read the full story here.

Capture new customers and promote your MAWQCP certification with Minnesota Grown

For +30 years, Minnesota Grown has been both a logo proudly identifying agricultural products grown or raised in Minnesota and a directory that helps potential customers find producers. In 2019, Minnesota Grown members will have the option to list their MAWQCP certification in the MN Grown Direct-to-Consumer Directory. This will be a great opportunity for certified producers to promote their water quality stewardship with customers. Minnesota Grown also provides: Advertising in the Direct-to-Consumer or Wholesale directories Discounts to create new labels, packages, and signage Pre-printed, free marketing materials Member applications are welcome anytime, but to ensure your business will be included in the printed 2019 Directory be sure to apply or renew your membership by December 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Karen Lanthier at karen.lanthier@state.mn.us or 651-201-6140.

MAWQCP News and Events

Forsman Farms is Ag Water Quality Certified 

Forsman Farms recently received their certification in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, and the family sees the opportunities that the program gives to their operation.

The Wright County farm began in 1918 with Albert Forsman farming 120 acres and selling chicks from his flock. Today, Peter and Dave Forsman handle the day-to-day duties of running 1,000 acres, multiple egg farms, and an egg processing facility.

“We are proud to be part of the water quality certification program and it is important that we run our farm in a sustainable manner so that we will continue farming for generations,” said Peter Forsman, owner and Chief Financial Officer of Forsman Farms.

Click here to read the full story.

Pictured left to right: Danielle Isaacson, Peter Gillitzer, and Clarissa Levi with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program; Gary Forsman, Forsman Farms; Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson; Peter Forsman and Dave Forsman, Forsman Farms; and Brad Redlin and Bill Fitzgerald with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. 

We Are Water MN Traveling Exhibit The We Are Water MN Traveling Exhibit is on its way to a community near you. We Are Water MN explores the connections between the humanities and water through an exhibit, public events and educator resources. The 2018-2019 tour includes the stories of two MAWQCP certified producers and how they protect water quality on their farms. The exhibit will be on display at the Headwaters Science Center in Bemidji through January 13. Check out the full tour schedule and mark your calendar!

MAWQCP Advisory Committee Meeting

The next Advisory Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 17 at the Minnesota Farmers Union office in St. Paul (305 Roselawn Ave E #200, St Paul, MN 55117). The meeting will be held from approximately 9:30-3:00 and is open to the public. Please contact mda.mawqcp@state.mn.us with any questions.

Certify your land, water and legacy for years to come. Contact your local soil and water conservation district office to get started.

MyLandMyLegacy.com

mda.mawqcp@state.mn.us

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