LANSING — The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development approved the proposed drafts of the 2021 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) at its Jan. 20, 2020 meeting. The GAAMPs are reviewed each year by committees comprised of various experts and revised or updated, as necessary.

“I am very thankful for the diligent work of all the GAAMPs committees,” said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Their work lays out a clear path for Michigan farms so they can continue to operate under the protections of the Right to Farm Act.”

There were several edits to the 2021 GAAMPs, which include significant clarification of the identification of manure storage setbacks in Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities.

All proposed changes for the following GAAMPS were approved: Manure Management and Utilization; Care of Farm Animals; Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities; and Farm Markets. The GAAMPs regarding Pesticide Utilization and Pest Control; Nutrient Utilization; Cranberry Production; and Irrigation Water Use had no proposed changes for 2021.

“The GAAMPs are the cornerstone to identifying management practices that address potential nuisance conditions,” said Michael Wozniak, manager of MDARD’s Right to Farm Program. “They are constantly being reviewed and analyzed to be kept relevant with today’s understanding of agriculture practices.”

For a copy of the GAAMPs, please visit www.Michigan.gov/RighttoFarm, or contact the MDARD’s Environmental Stewardship Division at 517-284-5619, or toll free at 877-632-1783.