What is the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program?
The MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is a voluntary program for farmers and agricultural land owners to implement conservation practices to protect water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices can be certified and obtain regulatory certainty for ten years. Regulatory certainty means that certified owners are deemed to be compliant with any new rules or laws introduced during that period. Learn more on the MN Dept of Ag site.
Why Should I Consider Certification?
The certification process can be a tool to meet the conservation goals of your operation and ultimately protect Minnesota water resources.
Financial Resources
- Non-competitive grants up to $5,000 for conservation practice implementation exclusive to producers in the program
- Priority ranking in MDA Soil Health Equipment Grant
- Access to cost share opportunities through new programs with MDA and other agencies
- $1,000 payment for certified producers who earn the Climate Smart endorsement
- Farm Business Management Program Scholarships
Regulatory Certainty
- Deems certified producers in compliance with any new water quality rules or laws for the lifespan of their certification
- Branding and marketing opportunity to promote farm
- Recognition and rewarding of existing conservation practices and land stewardship
- Priority review under the MPCA feedlot permitting process
Current Opportunities for Certified Producers
As a Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) certified operation, you are eligible for priority access to financial assistance through the MAWQCP Grant. Applications are accepted online.
The grant awards up to $5,000 per fiscal year to eligible producers implementing agriculture best management practices that address water quality concerns in Minnesota. This grant will supplement the cost of the practice as an add-on after other public funds are applied, not to exceed a total public payment cost of 75%. See more details about the financial assistance program here.
Centra Sota is excited to announce the collaboration of MAWQCP and Underground Weather by AquaSpy to provide cost-share assistance to help manage real-time nutrient management. This cutting-edge technology transforms the way you manage fertilizer application by delivering precise, real-time nitrate data.
With this information at your fingertips, you can determine exactly when to apply fertilizer and in what quantities, effectively removing any guesswork from the process. By optimizing these applications based on actual soil nutrient levels, you can significantly enhance your return on investment (ROI) and minimize excess fertilizer runoff, providing a positive impact on the environment.
Ready to learn more or apply for cost-share today?
Contact your local Centra Sota Cooperative Environmental Services Team to apply!