Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Right to Farm Act. Strong Local Preemption

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: MCL 286.471-286.474
Preemption: Preempts conflicting local ordinances, Section 4(6)
Requirement: Must follow accepted ag practices (GAAMPs)
2014 GAAMP: Excludes residential-zoned land
Backyard chickens: Non-commercial not protected
Administered by: MDARD

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Michigan Right to Farm Act (Act 93 of 1981)

Summary

The Michigan Right to Farm Act (Act 93 of 1981, MCL §286.471 et seq.) provides nuisance protection for qualifying commercial farms following Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Section 4(6) preempts local ordinances that conflict with the Act or with GAAMPs, including most attempts to restrict commercial agricultural operations.

(1) A farm or farm operation shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance if the farm or farm operation alleged to be a nuisance conforms to generally accepted agricultural and management practices according to policy determined by the Michigan commission of agriculture. Generally accepted agricultural and management practices shall be reviewed annually by the Michigan commission of agriculture and revised as considered necessary.

Source: Michigan Right to Farm Act (Act 93 of 1981)View official code

Full Breakdown

MRTFA (MCL §286.471 et seq.) shields commercial farm operations from nuisance lawsuits and local regulations when they follow Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) issued by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. Section 4(6) preempts local ordinances that conflict with the Act or GAAMPs. A 2014 amendment to the Site Selection GAAMP withdrew Right to Farm protection from livestock on land zoned primarily residential, returning regulatory authority over backyard livestock to municipalities in those zones. Commercial operations on ag-zoned land remain strongly protected against ordinances banning roosters, manure handling, or odors. Non-commercial backyard chickens are NOT covered.

Violations & Penalties

Local ordinances that conflict with the Act are unenforceable against qualifying commercial farms; courts have awarded attorney fees to farmers asserting MRTFA defenses. Farmers operating outside GAAMPs lose statutory protection and face all local rules and nuisance claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Michigan city ban my backyard chickens?

If your land is zoned residential and your operation is non-commercial, yes. Right to Farm does NOT protect you after the 2014 Site Selection GAAMP change. Commercial farms on agricultural land remain protected.

Does Right to Farm protect against odor or noise complaints?

Yes, for commercial farms following GAAMPs. The Act preempts local nuisance and zoning ordinances that conflict with accepted agricultural practices, including manure, dust, and rooster noise.

Who decides if my farm qualifies?

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) investigates complaints and verifies GAAMP compliance. Courts apply the statute when MRTFA is raised as a defense.

Sources

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