Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) have higher profits than non-certified farms, according to a recent study by the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. This marks the fourth year of data highlighting improved financial outcomes.
The “Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability” study examined financial and crop production information from farmers enrolled in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management education program. The 101 MAWQCP farms in the study saw 2022 net farm income an average of more than $23,500 or 7.5% higher than non-certified farms. Looking at four years of data, the average income for MAWQCP farms was $16,000 - $40,000 higher. Other key financial metrics are also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP, such as debt-to-asset ratios and operating expense ratios.
The four years of data serve as an indicator of a positive return on investment for whole-farm conservation management that farmers implement to become certified.
“For four years now, we see that farm operations in the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program have, on average, better economic outcomes on top of the known environmental benefits,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “There are many advantages to the MAWQCP, and I encourage all farmers and landowners to look into certifying their land and contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.”
“Minnesota Farm Business Management is proud to support farmers who are water quality certified and continue to demonstrate profitability compared to their peers,” said Keith Olander, Executive Director of AgCentric, and Agricultural Partnerships. “The water quality certified cohort sets a standard for other environmental enhancements to be implemented on-farm through a data supported process as farmers continue to improve their soil health while protecting their economic viability.”
To find details on the economic study, visit: https://www.agcentric.org/farm-business-manage ment/annual-fbm-reports/.
The MAWQCP puts farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality on a field-by-field basis. 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.
Source: hometownsource.com
Photo Credit: Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops, Education