Appropriate voluntary approaches and significant incentives must be identified to encourage producers to invest in appropriate pollution prevention practices, plans, or management systems which may have a potential undue negative economic impact. Providing technical assistance, education, and cost-sharing should continue where appropriate. Creative incentives and enhanced educational programs have been shown to be more effective than "command and control" regulations.

The Agricultural Pollution Prevention Task Force’s position is that the regulatory agencies must recognize that compliance with GAAMPs represents a good faith effort to comply with environmental requirements, and take this into consideration in any regulatory or enforcement actions. (See MOU between Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) Note: Some form of "liability protection" for producers who follow GAAMPs is a subject that warrants further review. The Agricultural Pollution Prevention Task Force urges the MDEQ and MDA to begin these discussions immediately. Recognizing varying situations across the state, a coordinated approach should be taken using available cost-share dollars and other incentive opportunities.

Recommendations:

1. Producers following a consistent set of management practices (GAAMPs) should be considered as making a good faith effort to comply with environmental regulations.
2. Explore other creative incentives, such as tax rebates and low interest loans.
3. Continue technical assistance, education, and cost sharing programs, particularly if tailored to priority issues and farms and targeted toward specific producer needs.
4. Make farm-specific technical consultation available to help producers develop whole-farm management options which improve farm profitability and protect water quality.
5. Explore alternative funding mechanisms that would further support organizations such as MAES, MSU-E, USDA-NRCS, and expand federal cost share programs.