Michigan Right to Farm Law, what does it mean?

[wingless]

Have my Michigan Chicken Keeping Friends seen this? https://m.facebook.com/events/483151605128671

Yes, MDARD has chosen once again to propose changes to the Site Selection GAAMPs that attempt to revoke RTF protection from everyone who lives in an area that is exclusively zoned residential.

This particular battle actually started a couple of years ago, in the summer of 2012. It was fought then and ever since by BYC members who met on this thread, and who went on to organize the Michigan Small Farm Council (MSFC). Some of the conversation about these proposed changes and what we should do about them will surely occur here on BYC, but some will also occur within the MSFC membership. We invite anyone interested in fighting for agricultural rights in Michigan, for everyone, to join us.

http://www.michigansmallfarmcouncil.org/join-us.html

 

[mcbeers]

Please everyone take a look at this link, and pass it around to everyone you know. Thanks.
http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=c9b2937d5c9adfe92dcf29812&id=1c9c5f40e6&e=

 

[wingless]

Please everyone take a look at this link, and pass it around to everyone you know. Thanks.
http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=c9b2937d5c9adfe92dcf29812&id=1c9c5f40e6&e=

Just back from the Ag Commission meeting that I attended with RaZ.

I want to be clear that we are on the verge of losing the Site Selection GAAMPs battle.

If you care about this issue, please come to the Public Comment meeting on January 22nd, or write a personal letter about why these issues are important to you.

Details about the meeting and where to send letters can be found here:
http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=c9b2937d5c9adfe92dcf29812&id=1c9c5f40e6&e=

 

[SillyChicken]

I think this affects more than just residential, it also affects anyone zoned AG, that is within about 1/2 mile from residential too... I'll be coming up to Lansing tomorrow!

 

[eldenbrady]

I hadn't noticed that before. Catagory 3. Anyone with more than 20 non-farm houses within half a mile no matter what the zoning will not be able to have animals!!!!!! (even if they are zoned for agriculture) That is pretty much every property in the entire state.

 

[RTFchickens]

Eldenbrady, are you going tomorrow?

 

[JackieandChicks]

I just started to follow this and am trying to wrap my mind around it. I live in an agricultural area in Zeeland Charter Township, almost 4 acres, was an old dairy farm originally. Neighbors are *all* farmers except a few houses. A few years ago the was a development put up probably 1/2 mile or less from all the dairy farms, small farmers with cows, goat farmers, there is a chicken farm right behind us. We have horses. Are they saying that all of that will have to go away because of the development? The next door neighbors on one side have horses, too, and the other have cattle, pigs, chickens. All on under 5 acres. Thanks for doing all you can!

 

[RTFchickens]

Jackie,
This has the potential to cause HUGE problems with any small scale farmer. I'm zoned residential on 59 acres, and I'm not allowed to own even ONE chicken! RTF is the only protection that I have. If this protection goes away, so does my farm... Almost everyone in Michigan will be effected if this change takes place.

 

[RTFchickens]

I'm not sure i will be able to attend tomorrow. I have already sent my letter. I will cheer for everyone! My incisions are still not healed yet from a recent surgery, so I'm thinking I should cheer from home...

 

[chickwhispers]

@RTFchickens Get Well Soon!

Good Luck everyone attending tomorrow! I'm sure those of us not attending will be there in spirit! I know I will!