MAWQCP Gains Renewed Support From Minnesota Farmers

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) Full Board has reaffirmed its support for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) during its Aug. 21 meeting. The board, composed of county Farmers Union presidents from across the state, meets twice annually to discuss issues affecting farmers and rural communities.

Launched as a pilot program in 2014 and expanded statewide in 2015, MAWQCP encourages farmers to adopt conservation practices that improve water quality and farm sustainability. In exchange, participating farms receive regulatory certainty, providing greater confidence when implementing long-term conservation measures.

As of Dec. 31, 2025, the program had certified 1,739 farms covering more than 1.2 million acres across Minnesota. MFU leaders noted that the initiative has helped promote voluntary conservation efforts while supporting the economic viability of farming operations.

MFU President Gary Wertish said the program provides farmers with the certainty needed to adopt practices that benefit both the environment and farm profitability. The organization has supported the certification program since its creation and views it as an effective tool for encouraging conservation across the state.

MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl emphasized the importance of combining voluntary conservation programs with technical assistance tailored to individual farming operations. She noted that every farm is unique, making customized guidance critical to implementing successful conservation practices.

Schwagerl also highlighted how the program helps farmers identify practical solutions that fit their operations while providing the support needed to put those practices into action. She described Minnesota’s investment in the farmer-led approach as beneficial for both agricultural sustainability and natural resource protection.

Minnesota Farmers Union continues to advocate for policies that strengthen family farms, ranches, and rural communities. The organization supports conservation initiatives that protect water quality and natural resources while helping farmers maintain productive and economically sustainable operations.

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