Agricultural Management Practices reviewed in Michigan

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development today announced a public input meeting and review period for the 2018 drafts of the state’s Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).

Public comment will be taken on the following GAAMPs, which have proposed changes: Manure Management and Utilization, Care of Farm Animals, and Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities. The GAAMPs regarding the Nutrient Utilization, Cranberry Production, Farm Markets, Irrigation Water Use and Pesticide Utilization and Pest Control have no proposed changes for 2018.

The GAAMPs public input meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, in the J. Edward Hutchinson Conference Room, Atrium Level, at Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan St., Lansing, Michigan, 48933.

Written comments may be submitted to MDARD’s Environmental Stewardship Division, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909 or sent via e-mail to TurrubiatesO@michigan.gov

MDARD will forward all comments received by the due date to the respective GAAMPs Task Force Committee Chairpersons for consideration prior to final review and adoption.

These GAAMPs are reviewed annually by committees of various experts, and revised and updated as necessary. The GAAMPs are reviewed and approved by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development each year.

For a copy of any of these GAAMPs, including the proposed revisions, please visit www.michigan.gov/righttofarm, or contact MDARD’s Environmental Stewardship Division at 517-284-5619 or toll-free at 877-632-1783.