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Well, according to our case, MAEAP Verification basically guarantees you Right to Farm protection. Even our MAEAP verifier said, after signing our verification papers in our kitchen, "You now have Right to Farm protection". And, the Honorable Judge Solka ruled in our favor, primarily due to...

You are correct in assuming that our case did NOT test that question. But, I do believe that MDARD is only required to conduct a GAAMP inspection when a formal complaint is filed. This was never done in our case. Instead, Forsyth Township decided to skip this opportunity as a step toward a...

Thanks for that input and info Wendy. Unfortunately, as shown in our case, a township sueing a farmer does NOT require MDARD to do this. That was one of the points that came up in our case was that our township did not exhaust all of their administrative remedies, i.e. ~ filing a formal...

You make a good point! If people are taking over someone else's poorly managed operation, or an old, non working farm, I totally understand it costing many thousands! I do apologize for not seeing that point of view initially. But, the main point I am trying to make, from the experience of our...

I'm not sure I follow your concerns when you speak of MAEAP and tens of thousands of dollars to become MAEAP compliant. If people have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to become verified, then obviously their farming practices are questionable. I spent less than $200 to become MAEAP...

I agree Washtenaw Farmer. I am not saying MAEAP confirms environmental consciousness. I am saying it will most likely be required for Right to Farm protection. That was the main reason the judge ruled in our favor is because we got that verification to prove GAAMP compliance. Without that...

Well, it sounds like you are prepared! With these court cases, we all must have the 5 P's...Persistence, Positivity, Politeness, Perserverance and Patience! Them delaying your case doesn't change the laws or the facts. I know it can be frustrating, but hang in there! Yes, when the MAEAP tech...

Hello all. I just want to make it very clear to everyone that in order to be protected by the MRTFA, you MUST be GAAMP compliant. Not every GAAMP applies to every farm. Each farm is unique in what GAAMP's apply. That being said, you do NOT have to be compliant with EVERY GAAMP, only the ones...

I would also consider the MAEAP Verification. This verification was key for our case and it proves GAAMP compliance. http://www.maeap.org/

I would also direct them to this link ~ http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/news_wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Buchler-v-ForsythTwp-Solk-opinion2012-12-18.pdf. You can also let them know that Judge Solka just ruled yesterday (Jan 30, 2013) that Forsyth Township also has to pay a large sum of the legal...

Just want to let everyone know that the honorable Judge Solka has ruled in favor of Shady Grove Farm U.P.!!!!!! Another Michigan Right to Farm victory!!!!!!

Hey everybody. I just wanted to share this link to a video that has been done about our farm and our Michigan Right to Farm case that is coming up on November 20 and 21 in the Marquette County Circuit Court in Marquette, MI in the Upper Peninsula. We appreciate the support that we have...

Hello everyone. Just for the record, it's Randy Buchler...Shady Grove Farm U.P. LLC. I can confirm that the court dates listed are correct and we have LOTS of support locally as well as from downstate! We are hoping to fill the Marquette County Circuit Court with community members that eat...

Just continue to support our local farms and farmers in Michigan (and everywhere else too)! The local food movement needs to continue to grow and more people need to advocate for policy change to allow for small, urban farms that are sustainable and operated in a fashion that is safe for the...

Just an update....here is a story that was in our local paper recently. http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/576217.html?nav=5006&contentsaved=1

Wayne Whitman is the only person I ever spoke with that had anything negative to say about our situation. Our township is running with his opinion, however. Case law in the state of Michigan has set a precedent with the MRTFA, especially siting the 1999-2000 amendment addressing zoning that is...

Just a quick response as it's all I have time for right now. I am doubting that you are a livestock production facility, which is 50 animal units or more. That is what the site selection gaamp pertains to, I am almost certain. We are getting ready for a MRTFA case potentially in our township...

I would start out by getting a copy of the zoning ordinances that pertain to your zoned district. Then, look at the permissable and conditional uses to see what is allowed. There may even be a "zoning variance" or similiar that you could apply to get. Often, zoning ordinances make no sense...

Thanks vikkip! I have used your case as a reference along with the MRTFA with our township. We have been "working with" them trying to make a necessary change in our community since August 2009. I now have an attorney from the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund working with us. We would...