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 water. Water quality certified producers can also earn an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) endorsement and receive a promotional sign to advertise the hard work they are doing for conservation. The IPM endorsement signifies producers are using a multifaceted approach to pest management that at a minimum involves:
- Planning ahead
- Proper identification of pests
- Monitoring
- Establishing action thresholds
- Selecting management tactics that minimize risks to people, the environment, and the crop
- Evaluating and recording results of management
MAWQCP farms have been found to have higher net income, better term debt coverage and operating expense ratios, and higher yields in most instances. This data comes from a comparison conducted by the Farm Business Management (FBM) program by AgCentric, and the Minnesota State Agriculture Centers. The results are included in the Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability report.
Learn how to certify your land, water and legacy for years to come through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program.
