The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) has reached the milestone of enrolling 1,000 farmers and landowners from across the state. 

Now, more than 715,000 acres of land are helping to protect the state’s water resources. 

“Water quality is important to all Minnesotans, especially those that care for the land, and we want to thank everyone that has stepped up to protect and restore our state’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater through the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. 

“We can be assured these certified farmers are managing their operations to protect water quality now and into the future.”

The MAWQCP puts farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality. 

Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. 

After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years. 

There are also extra endorsements available to water quality certified producers for soil health, integrated pest management, and wildlife. 

These endorsements celebrate farmers and landowners who are going above and beyond to implement conservation efforts on their land.

The program is on target to meet Governor Tim Walz’s goal of enrolling one million acres by the end of 2022.

Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com.