ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Farmers Union Full Board voted to support the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program(opens in new tab) (MAWQCP) at their meeting on Aug. 21.

The full board is comprised of county Farmers Union presidents from across the state. They meet twice a year.

MAWQCP began with a pilot program in 2014 before expanding statewide the following year. As of Dec. 31, 2025, there were 1,739 certified farms, totaling 1.2 million certified acres. The program offers farmers regulatory certainty for a number of years in exchange for the implementation of conservation practices.

“Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) was a leading voice to establish the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “When farmers have certainty, they are able to make changes to their farm that not only protect the environment but also allow them to try new practices to increase the economic sustainability of their farms.”

“The Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program demonstrates the value of pairing voluntary conservation programs with the technical assistance farmers need to make them successful,” said MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl. “Every farm is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to conservation. The technical expertise provided through the certification program helps farmers identify practices that make sense for their individual operations, while giving them the confidence and support to put those practices into action. Minnesota’s investment in this farmer-led, voluntary approach is an investment in both the future of our farms and the health of our natural resources.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org(opens in new tab), and follow MFU on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org(opens in new tab)).