On Tuesday, November 3, 2021, Maine voters approved an historic state constitutional amendment establishing a constitutional Right to Food. The measure added language to the state constitution providing that individuals have a “natural, inherent, and unalienable right to food, including the right to save and exchange seeds and the right…
Right to Farm
Agritourism Law Primer
Like any other business, farm survival is best achieved by those who remain nimble and can adjust their business plans to accommodate the needs and desires of their customer base while generating more income for themselves. Agritourism is an excellent option to reach those goals and, fortunately, there are laws across the country that support…
New Rule in Michigan Is Win for Small Farms
FTCLDF defended a Michigan farm in a nuisance action, which ultimately led to a positive clarification in the state’s Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Hidden Creek Farm is a small sustainable farm that has been operating for several years…
Victory for Sheriff the Dog and Right-to-Farm
The Farrises have a livestock guardian dog named Sheriff to protect their fruit and livestock on their 23-acre farm in California. All is well until a new neighbor moves in…
But It’s Cheaper to Just Pay the Fee
A few years ago, Steve and Wendy bought a five-acre parcel in southern Michigan, perfect for growing specialty crops. Unbeknownst to them, their idyllic parcel was located in a dystopian township, run by a mean-spirited zoning inspector who did not cotton to outsiders and had no grasp…