Introducing Meaningful Metrics into Minnesota Agriculture.

As public appropriations increase to assist in reducing agricultural non-point contributions, the need for meaningful metrics and performance indicators are critical. In Minnesota, programs such as the recently revised Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan (groundwater focus) and the Nutrient Reduction Plan (surface water focus) necessitate that meaningful action steps are implemented and documented. Part of this presentation will focus on how the Minnesota Department of Agriculture plans to use nitrate levels in private wells to drive future nitrogen fertilizer education and regulatory efforts.

Until recently, many of the associated indicators have been based primarily on water quality parameters. In 2012, Minnesota took a bold step in the development of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). The associated assessment tool is used to guide analysis of an agricultural operation’s risk to water quality.  Qualifying farmers who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and, in turn, obtain regulatory certainty for a ten year period. The remaining presentation will focus on the assessment tool and how various agricultural sectors hope to use the tool to increase BMP education and heighten public awareness regarding nutrient stewardship.