Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program

Beaver Creek in Rock County, Minnesota, has agriculture fields nearly up to its banks.

Agricultural fields and Beaver Creek in Murray County.

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) offers farmers and landowners a voluntary pathway to protect our state’s water resources. By adopting conservation practices that safeguard rivers, lakes, and drinking water, participants strengthen the resilience of their operations while contributing to long-term environmental stewardship.

Impact Across Minnesota

Now in its 10th year, certification continues to make a measurable difference. Across the state, farmers and landowners are improving water quality, protecting soil, and supporting a stronger agricultural economy.

As of December 2025:

1,718 producers certified
1,230,749 acres enrolled
59,195 tons of sediment kept out of Minnesota waters annually
166,325 tons of soil retained in fields each year
74,740 pounds of phosphorus prevented from entering waterways annually
5,373 conservation improvements implemented with MAWQCP staff guidance
740 acres average size of a certified farm

[Sediment, soil, and phosphorus numbers are calculated using state-approved pollution-reduction tools, including BWSR’s Pollution Reduction Estimator, MPCA BEET tool, PTMapp, and MinnFarm.]

Benefits to Producers

Regulatory Certainty: Certified operations are considered in compliance with state water quality regulations for the duration of their 10-year certification agreement.
Public Recognition: Certification highlights environmental responsibility, showcasing producers as leaders in conservation and water stewardship.
Access to Support: Participants receive specialized technical and financial assistance to implement practices that enhance soil health and water quality.

Benefits to the Public

Environmental Assurance: Minnesotans can be confident that certified farms are using conservation practices to protect lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Improved Water Quality: As more producers adopt sustainable practices, the cumulative impact leads to cleaner water across agricultural regions and beyond.
Third-Party Verified Label: Consumers can support sustainable farming by looking for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certified Farm label when purchasing products.

A Growing Network of Leaders

Certification isn't just a whole farm conservation treatment — it is a commitment to stewardship. By joining, producers become part of a statewide network dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s waters, strengthening farms, and leaving a legacy of conservation for future generations.

MAWQCP Story Map

Visit the MAWQCP Story Map to meet certified farmers from across Minnesota who are working hard to protect and improve water quality. Interested in sharing your story? Contact mda.mawqcp@state.mn.us.

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Partners

The MAWQCP is a comprehensive partnership that brings together federal, state, local, and private-sector collaborators to provide certification services to Minnesota’s farms.