Michigan Right to Farm
Our Agricultural Operations & Legal Framework
Goat Life Farm, LLC is a GAAMPs-conformant farm market operation. All workshops, tours, demonstrations, classes, and farm-to-table experiences are marketing activities as defined by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Farm Market Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs): "Promotional and educational activities at the farm market incidental to farm products with the intention of selling more farm products." These activities occur on land actively engaged in agricultural production, support the marketing and sale of farm products, and are operated in accordance with the Michigan Right to Farm Act (PA 93 of 1981, as amended). View our MDARD GAAMPs conformance determination letter.
The Michigan Right to Farm Act
The Michigan Right to Farm Act (Public Act 93 of 1981) protects farms and farm operations that conform to Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) from being found to be a public or private nuisance. Importantly, the Act explicitly includes "marketing produce at roadside stands or farm markets" in its definition of farm operations (MCL 286.472(b)).
The Act also contains a preemption provision (MCL 286.474(6)) stating that it is "the express legislative intent that this act preempt any local ordinance, regulation, or resolution that purports to extend or revise in any manner the provisions of this act or generally accepted agricultural and management practices developed under this act."
Read the full Michigan Right to Farm Act (MCL 286.471-286.474)
Farm Market GAAMPs
The Farm Market GAAMPs, first adopted in 2010 and updated annually, define what constitutes an on-farm market and farm market activities. These practices recognize that farm markets and associated agritourism activities provide far-reaching economic impacts, help maintain green space, and keep farmland in production.
Under the Farm Market GAAMPs, "Marketing" is defined as: "Promotional and educational activities at the farm market incidental to farm products with the intention of selling more farm products. These activities include, but are not limited to, farm tours (walking or motorized), demonstrations, cooking and other classes utilizing farm products, and farm-to-table dinners."
Download the 2025 Farm Market GAAMPs (PDF)