What is the Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project (MCSFP)?
MCSFP will develop and launch a Climate Smart Farm Verification (CSFV) system, based on the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), designed to assist small/diversified farms in Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne and Lenawee Counties. Farmers interested in participating in the CSFV pilot will be eligible for cost-share payments for climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices implemented with a goal of attaining CSFV. Verified farms will be able to utilize the newly developed CSF branding package and logo in order to market their commodities as Climate Smart Farm Verified. A final report on the CSFV system and findings will be presented to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) with the goal of becoming part of the MAEAP program or a stand-alone program.
MCSFP will develop and launch a Climate Smart Farm Verification (CSFV) system, based on the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), designed to assist small/diversified farms in Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne and Lenawee Counties. Farmers interested in participating in the CSFV pilot will be eligible for cost-share payments for climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices implemented with a goal of attaining CSFV. Verified farms will be able to utilize the newly developed CSF branding package and logo in order to market their commodities as Climate Smart Farm Verified. A final report on the CSFV system and findings will be presented to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) with the goal of becoming part of the MAEAP program or a stand-alone program.
Project Timeline
PHASE 1
✔ Hire MCSFP Specialist ✔ Climate Smart Farm Advisory Committee established •Cost-share committee established •12 research farming systems ID •Field research completed •Branding/marketing research completed |
PHASE 2
•Hire MCSFP Climate Smart Farm Techs and train •Partners assist with hosting informational sessions to farmers on pilot CSF program •Review and process cost-share applications for implementing CSAF practices |
PHASE 3
•Compile all findings and recommendations •Propose findings and recommendations to MDARD, MAEAP Steering Committee |