Right to Farm Changes Considered

The State is considering making changes to farm rules that would withdraw protection for some small hobby farms.  The current Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices rules from the Michigan Department of Agriculture protect small farms in residential areas from local zoning rules under Michigan’s Right To Farm law.  The 2014 draft rules add a new site selection category that effectively prohibits Right to Farm protections for new farms located in strictly residential zoned areas.  Groups like the Michigan Small Farm Council are criticizing the rule changes, pointing out they would apply even to homes with just a single farm animal that were previously protected.  Public comments on the proposed changes are being accepted through this Wednesday.

See the proposed GAAMP rules at the Department of Agriculture website