MAWQCP

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About the Program

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture administers the program and works closely with state and federal partners. The MDA works with local organizations to implement the program.

Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years. Certainty is a commitment provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

Becoming a Water Quality Certified Farm

1. Application
The first step is self-verification by producers that they are meeting existing Minnesota laws and regulations regarding water quality. These existing regulations include shore land setbacks, feedlot permits and disposal of waste pesticides. If producers have questions, MAWQCP- licensed certifiers will connect them to the respective local authority. Producers must maintain compliance with existing regulations at the time of certification; certainty does not offer exemption from rules and regulations that currently exist.

2. Assessment
The next step in certification is an evaluation of each field within the operation using the assessment tool. The assessment tool is a computer model in which data inputs are made based on answers to questions related to how the field is managed. The output of the assessment tool is a unitless index score from 1-10 that aggregates a field's potential risk to water quality. A score of 8.5 or greater is necessary for certification eligibility.

The assessment tool evaluates the following:

  • Physical field characteristics
  • Nutrient management factors
  • Tillage management factors
  • Pest management factors
  • Irrigation and tile drainage management
  • Conservation practices

3. Verification
The last step in certification is an on-farm field verification with a MAWQCP­ licensed certifier. This visit allows the producer and certifier to go through the operation on a field-by-field basis to identify and discuss any further water quality related issues.

If during the certification process, specific issues relating to water quality are identified, technical and financial assistance is available.

After completing the three-step certification process, producers and landowners have the opportunity to enter into a ten-year certification contract that ensures regulatory certainty from the State of Minnesota. Certified operations may also choose to be publicly recognized as a Minnesota Water Quality Certified Farm which includes field signs and use of the logo.

Certified operations can update their certification records at any time by contacting the local certifier when land is added or practices are changed so certification status may be maintained.

Interested in Learning More?

Contact Jim Lahn at the East Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District to learn more.  Jim is our Area Certification Specialist for the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), covering 11 north central Minnesota counties. He and our staff assist area farm operators and owners with the certification process of their farming operations.

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