Page 55 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

Delegate Session: Thursday– Page 13
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state water use committees due to the diversity of Michigan agriculture.
The state of Michigan making every effort to approve the use of an agricultural water withdrawal in a timely manner.
MDARD as the primary department for agricultural water use reporting and conflict resolution.
Water use record keeping on farms for the purpose of increasing water use efficiencies, protecting producer rights to water access and validation of agricultural water use as a high priority for water. Basing all water use policies and regulations on validated scientific research.
Seeking new and expanded opportunities to reclaim and recycle water.
An exemption from the Michigan WWAT for withdrawals in areas where the potential for adverse resource impact is proven to be negligible based on the collection and analysis of field data using industry standards, methodology and practices.
Landowners receiving water recharge credit for maintaining open, undeveloped ground. Water use reporting should include “water in” (rainfall) provisions. We encourage the development of incentives for farmers who recover more water than they use.
Legislation that strengthens Michigan’s authority to conserve and protect the waters of the Great Lakes Basin.
Research that enhances understanding of the water resource, validates the ecological benefits associated with agriculture’s role in the water cycle, and leads to increased agricultural water use efficiency.
MFB taking a leadership role in the development of partnerships and promotion to the public that result in increased education and the value of a high priority for agricultural water use.
Increased education, financial and technical assistance for farmers who participate in voluntary, incentive-driven water use conservation programs. The voluntary use of monitoring wells.
Inclusion of all agricultural water uses within the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The State should be required to have a greater burden of proof in determining that a water use is causing an adverse resource impact if the producer is verified as addressing applicable water conservation measures through MAEAP .
The inclusion of scientifically sound, environmentally