Recognizing outstanding farmers through MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program endorsements
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is launching three new endorsements in addition to the 10-year certification a farmer or landowner can receive. The new endorsements were announced at this week’s Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Convention. The MAWQCP endorsements available to water quality certified producers are for soil health, integrated pest management, and wildlife.
“We recognize that many conservation practices targeting water quality also have benefits for other conservation goals, such as wildlife,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “These Ag Water Quality Certification endorsements celebrate the certified producers who are going above and beyond to implement conservation on their farms.”
The MAWQCP partnered with various non-profit organizations, such as Pheasants Forever and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, and state agencies to develop the endorsements. Certified producers who achieve an endorsement will receive an additional sign for their farm and recognition for their conservation excellence.
To learn more, contact your local MAWQCP Area Certification Specialist.
 The Cannon River Agricultural Collaborative is a unique public-private-nonprofit collaborative that envisions prosperous farms, healthy soils, clean water, a thriving agricultural system, and vibrant communities in the Cannon River watershed. The Collaborative was launched fall 2019 to help farmers plan, assess, and implement farming practices that are both economically and environmentally beneficial, improving the soil, water, and economic health of their farms.
The Cannon River Agricultural Collaborative is a partnership between the Cannon River One Watershed One Plan (1W1P), Cannon River Watershed Partnership (CRWP), Central Farm Service (CFS), Environmental Initiative, Great River Greening, Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN™, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), Rice County SWCD and Steele County SWCD.
Using each member organization’s strengths and abilities, the partners work with farmers in the watershed to provide technical assistance and implement agricultural practices that address water quality issues, effectively serving as a “one stop shop” where farmers can get assistance and resources. In turn, the farmers can become certified in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Photo (L-R): Brad Gordon, Great River Greening; Alan Kraus, Cannon River Watershed Partnership; Sienna Kampsen, CFS; Brad Jordahl Redlin, Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program; Teresa DeMars, Rice SWCD; Keith Parker, Great River Greening; Kristi Pursell, Cannon River Watershed Partnership; Greg Bohrer, Environmental Initiative; Haley Burns, Environmental Initiative; Ashley Gallagher, Dakota SWCD; Danielle Isaacson, Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program; Spencer Herbert, Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN.
Meet Minnesota's water quality certified producers
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program has launched an online story map to recognize certified producers and the great work they are doing to protect water quality across the state.
"Francis and Veronica Dierickx have been farming near Palisade, MN since 2012. Their farm, Ardent Acres, produces grass-fed beef and pastured poultry for consumer-direct sales. Since the beginning of their farming journey, they have minimized chemical inputs and utilized buffer zones to reduce soil erosion and maintain the health of water bodies within and adjacent to their land..."
Check out the story map to learn about some of the 800+ certified farms in Minnesota. If you are interested in sharing your story, contact Danielle Isaacson at Danielle.Isaacson@state.mn.us
Photo: Francis and Veronica Dierickx of Ardent Acres
|
For +30 years, Minnesota Grown has been a logo proudly identifying agricultural products grown or raised in Minnesota and a directory that helps potential customers find producers.
New last year, Minnesota Grown members have the option to list their MAWQCP certification in the MN Grown Direct-to-Consumer Directory. This is a great opportunity for producers to promote their products with customers.
|
Member applications are welcome anytime, but to ensure your business will be included in the printed 2020 Directory apply or renew your membership by December 31, 2019. Questions? Contact Karen Lanthier at karen.lanthier@state.mn.us or 651-201-6140.
|
