By Andi Anderson
Farmers are entrepreneurs at heart. Each day begins with the goal of producing food, fiber, or other goods to meet market demand. As markets evolve, so must farmers. In Michigan, this often means shifting beyond traditional commodity production into new areas such as agritourism and value-added product development.
Across rural Michigan, farm stands and on-farm markets are now common sights. Many farmers are taking steps to transform raw produce into products through canning, fermenting, or freezing, and selling them directly to consumers.
Some even go further by creating agritourism businesses, offering farm stays, dining experiences, and educational tours.
Agritourism, as defined by the Michigan Agritourism Association, is when a farm invites the public to enjoy its services or products. Globally, agritourism is a growing industry. Market analysts expect its value to double by 2031, driven by consumer demand for authentic food and farm experiences.
However, these new ventures are not always welcomed by local governments. Zoning restrictions can limit what farmers are allowed to do. For example, farmers hosting on-farm weddings or processing goods on-site may face cease-and-desist orders.
These activities often raise concerns about noise, public health, or changes to the landscape that local residents might oppose.
From a regulatory perspective, Michigan’s Right to Farm Act protects certain agricultural activities, but it doesn’t cover all aspects of agritourism or on-farm processing. This leaves local governments in charge of many zoning decisions.
To bridge these gaps, Michigan State University Extension provides tools and resources. One such program, Planning and Zoning for Agritourism, helps both farmers and officials find common ground by addressing public concerns while enabling economic growth.
Community members, government officials, and farmers are encouraged to engage in dialogue and planning to support local farm economies in ways that are responsible, sustainable, and beneficial to all.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle