1/23/14 - As agricultural operations continue to change, some newly proposed state regulations for the raising of livestock in urban areas arenât sitting well with everyone in the community. The Michigan Right to Farm Act provides nuisance protection for farms and farm operations, which are in conformance with eight Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices or GAAMPs. The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development annually reviews those and changes are being proposed to site selection for new and expanding livestock facilities. A new category deems sites exclusively zoned for residential use are not acceptable locations for livestock facilities regardless of number. Howell Mayor Phil Campbell is running for the 47th District State House seat and called the regulation ludicrous, saying it could penalize future small farmers. He says residential is the default zoning in many communities so someone could have dozens of acres but be prevented from owning one chicken. He tells WHMI some small farmers view it as a conspiracy because most the larger corporate agri-businesses have large farms already zoned for agricultural use. Spokeswoman Jennifer Holden with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the clarifications strive to ensure that practices keep pace with changes in livestock ownership and site situations across the state but tells WHMI the changes do not preclude local governments from allowing farm animals in their communities. The 2014 drafts will be before The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development for review next month and up for possible adoption in March. The complete press release issued by Campbell and a link to more information on the state website can be found below.(JM)
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