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Right to Farm Act

Michigan Right to Farm Act

The Michigan Right to Farm Act (RTFA) is recognized nationally as a model for resolving disputes that can arise when neighbors or local governments allege that practices on the farm constitute an actionable nuisance.

The Act protects farmers who voluntarily follow the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) from nuisance lawsuits over matters such as odor or dust so long as the farmers comply with a variety of practices ranging from manure management to water use.

From Michigan Farm Bureau's perspective, the Right to Farm Act and GAAMPs have enabled agriculture to progress utilizing existing and new technologies that strike a delicate balance between the state's social, environmental and economic needs.

Woman planting spring transplants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Learn more about the Right to Farm Act and GAAMPs on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website.