(ABC 6 News) – Friday morning at 10:30 a.m., Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited a farm in Altura to highlight the state’s investments in agriculture.

Walz spoke about Minnesota farmers enrolling in the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program.

“This program ensures our lakes, rivers, and drinking water are protected for future generations,” said Governor Walz. “Farmers understand the need for this better than anyone – their bottom line depends on conservation and a stable climate. Our farmers are stewards of our natural resources, and they’re stepping up in a big way to implement sustainable practices that will protect the water, land, and community around them.”

The voluntary agricultural program helps farmers and agricultural landowners implement conservation practices that protect the state’s water resources.

According to the governor’s office, about 1,400 farmers have enrolled in the program since the certification program began in 2014.

one of those farmers is Eric Heins. He owns the ranch the governor visited on Friday. His 80 acres is just a faction of the 1 million enrolled in the program.

“So, when we were approached about certifying our acres. so, our farm we are already doing the right things I think and being a part of this program, we are able to help share that knowledge,” said Heins.

The certification program covers about one million acres of land, Walz says. This achieved a goal that he set in December of 2020.

Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality certified farms added over 2,700 new conservation practices, keeping an estimated 48,000 tons of sediment out of Minnesota waterways, according to the governor’s office. Additionally, the program has managed to keep an estimated 59,000 pounds of phosphorous on farms and out of Minnesota water.

For farmers and landowners to enroll in the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program, visit MyLandMyLegacy.com