The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has released a Frequently Asked Question document regarding the changes recently made to the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) and the areas of impact these changes affect. That can be found here: Right to Farm FAQ.

It is important to note and remember the Right to Farm Act has always and continues to be protection for farms (defined as  land, plants, animals, buildings, structures, including ponds used for agricultural or aquacultural activities, machinery, equipment, and other appurtenances) commercially producing farm products.

The changes recently approved by the Commission add a new category 4 that states land is not suitable for livestock if the area of the community is primarily residential (defined as more than 13 homes within 1/8 of a mile of the animals, or with any home within 250 feet of the proposed facility) AND does not allow for agricultural use.  This would still allow a local community to have an ordinance allowing livestock within their community in these areas if they choose to do so.

The approved site selection GAAMP is available here.

Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development and land use issues.  She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.