US: Right to Farm protection denied for Michigan farmer's goats, greenhouse
Kalamazoo County District Judge Robert Kropf has ruled that Ben Martin's operation on Martin's uncle's property at 7030 EF Ave. is not protected by Michigan Right to Farm Act.
The judge said Martin had failed to provide evidence that his goats and his greenhouse conformed with the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices of the Right to Farm Act, and therefore he must pay the fines levied by a Richland Township zoning official.
A recent food and consumer packaging graduate from Western Michigan University, Martin, 23, had argued that local township ordinances should not trump his right to do business unfettered by local regulation that conflicts with accepted farming practices.
Martin's attorney, who learned of the ruling Tuesday, said his clients are considering their options, including the possibility of an appeal.
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