Right to Farm
“I’m an animal rights person, that’s why I raise and harvest my animals the way I do.” - Randy
An Introduction to Right to Farm…
Having the right to produce and procure the foods of our choosing seems like a simple concept - but sometimes we need to defend that right, which is not a small quest! Something we never considered when we started our journey into farming is the need to know and understand policies and laws about farming, including local zoning. When you know you’re doing something good and it’s of no harm to anyone or anything, why would you need to know these things? Well, watch the video to learn more, as it tells our Michigan Right to Farm story!
Some helpful resources are listed below. If you have more questions, consider purchasing an environmentally friendly Shady Grove Farm t-shirt. A purchase will include a complimentary consultation with Randy of Shady Grove, a t-shirt and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the Michigan Small Farm Council which supports small farms throughout Michigan.
Learn more about our t-shirt membership here.
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Right to Farm Act - 1981
The Michigan Right to Farm Act originated in 1981 to protect farms from urban sprawl. Commercial farms that are GAAMP compliant are afforded protections from public and/or private nuisance complaints and lawsuits. The MRTFA is recognized nationally as model policy for resolving disputes that can arise between farms and neighboring residents when neighbors or local governments allege that practices on the farm constitute an actionable nuisance.
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Amendment June 1, 2000
“Beginning June 1, 2000, except as otherwise provided in this section, it is the express legislative intent that this act preempt any local ordinance, regulation, or resolution that purports to extend or revise in any manner the provisions of this act or generally accepted agricultural and management practices developed under this act. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a local unit of government shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance, regulation, or resolution that conflicts in any manner with this act or generally accepted agricultural and management practices developed under this act.”
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MAEAP - Voluntary program, GAAMPS
This is a voluntary program through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Taking a proactive approach, this program will ensure that your farm is compliant with the GAAMPs that are applicable to your operation in order to gain Right to Farm protection.
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Michigan Small Farm Council
The mission of the Michigan Small Farm Council is to protect and extend the rights of urban, suburban, and rural small-scale farming operations throughout the state.
We seek to preserve and enhance the benefits of small-scale agriculture to individuals and communities by engaging in education, outreach, and policy-making processes.
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Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund protects the rights of farmers and consumers to engage in direct commerce through legal representation and policy work.
