HB 4212 Summary

• Establishes the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), a voluntary program to help farms reduce environmental risks through education, technical assistance, and verification of conservation practices.

• Creates the Environmental Assurance Advisory Council composed of state agency directors and representatives from agricultural organizations, conservation districts, and environmental groups to advise on MAEAP standards and implementation.

• Implements a water quality monitoring program for groundwater and surface water to screen for pesticide and fertilizer contamination, with notification requirements for affected well owners.

• Establishes the Freshwater Protection Fund financed by groundwater protection fees on pesticide registrants (0.75% of wholesale sales or $150 minimum for non-specialty pesticides; $100 for specialty pesticides) and fertilizer manufacturers (1.5 cents per percent nitrogen per ton sold).

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to issue MAEAP verification (valid 3 years) to farms meeting standards and provides liability protection for MAEAP-verified farms unless they are grossly negligent or violate environmental laws.