Agritourism is the intersection where agriculture and tourism meet; when a farm opens its doors to the public and invites visitors to enjoy their products and services.
We support:
Legislation defining agritourism as activities on the farm that may or may not be directly related to the farm operation, conducted for the purpose of increasing income for the farm business including educational or entertainment experiences, but does not change the general intent of the farm operation.
The development of an agritourism act, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), that preempts local ordinances. Areas of coverage should include, but not be limited to, event barns, corn mazes, and farm animal related activities. Farms will receive the benefits of this act if more than 50% of the farm income is generated by the sales of commodities grown on the farm and if the facilities can meet the building code’s public safety requirements. This does not prohibit local governments from enacting reasonable hour, noise and parking regulations.
Master plans and local zoning ordinances recognizing the benefits and allowing the operation of farm markets, roadside stands, agritourism destinations and farmers markets that allow for the placement of these activities on agricultural zoned land without a special use permit. We do not believe a city, township or other local agency can restrict or mandate the size of what a farm market/roadside stand is and recognize that selling produce retail is not considered a change of use on land that is currently farmed.
Michigan zoning authorities adopting the Agricultural Tourism Model Zoning Ordinance Provisions developed by the Michigan Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission and MDARD.
Working with the direct market and agritourism industries to improve and strengthen the farm market Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).
Creating Generally Accepted Agritourism Practices that align with the GAAMPs outlined in the Right to Farm Act and recognizing agritourism as a sector of the agriculture industry.
Legislation to enhance and promote agritourism, the development of guidelines and best practices, as well as on-farm direct marketing opportunities.
Designating certain roads and highways as “Scenic Agricultural Byways” to showcase Michigan’s agricultural diversity, unique agricultural features, farm markets, roadside stands and related businesses.
The opportunity for farm operations to have their businesses designated as tourism destination points.
The Michigan Farmers Market Association, along with grower vendors, establishing guidelines for agriculture procedures of farmers markets and to assist them if requested. In the event fees are charged by municipalities to farms that participate in farmers markets, we believe those fees should not exceed the cost to run the market.
Locally grown should be defined as produced in Michigan, or within 50 miles of the border.
Community Supported Agriculture programs that build relationships, provide healthy food choices, and encourage consumers to meet the people that grow the products.
Farmers markets and farm marketers promoting and providing food safety education to consumers.
Operations welcoming the public to their facilities and portraying a professional image because they are our ambassadors to the public where positive perception is important.
Operations with livestock participating in their respective national animal care programs.
We oppose:
Discriminatory regulation, licensing and inspection by regulatory agencies and local units of government on farm markets, roadside stands and agritourism operations which restrict their competitiveness. Markets should not be subject to duplicate or unnecessary inspection by MDARD, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and local units of government.