Agriculture

In a recent unpublished opinion, the Michigan Court of Appeals once again stated that a farming operation met the definition of a “commercial production,” subject to protection under Michigan’s Right To Farm Act (RTFA), despite a complete absence of profits. Township of Webber v Austin, 2014 WL 1614613 (Apr 22, 2014). In this case, the ... Read More

Since its enactment in 1981, the Michigan Right to Farm Act (RTFA) has provided protection to farmers against public and private nuisance claims. The RTFA provides that any activities that (1) meet the definition of “farm” or “farming operations” under the Act and (2) conform to generally accepted agricultural and management practices (GAAMPs), according to ... Read More

On July 2, Michigan’s Governor Snyder signed Senate Bill 163, a wetlands management bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville) into law. The intent of the bill is to clarify permitting requirements in Michigan’s wetlands protection law and to address issues raised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its 2008 audit of Michigan’s wetlands ... Read More