Page 95 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

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friendly “Agricultural Tourism Model Zoning Ordinance Provisions” as developed by the Michigan Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
Legislation to enhance and promote agritourism,
the development of guidelines and best practices,
as well as on-farm direct marketing opportunities. Proposing certain roads and highways across the state be designated as “Scenic Agricultural Byways.” These routes would be designated to showcase Michigan’s agricultural diversity, unique agricultural features, farm markets, roadside stands and related agricultural businesses.
Working with the direct farm market and agritourism industry to improve and strengthen the recently completed farm market Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices.
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48  Changes to Michigan Department of Transportation
The opportunity for farm operations to have their businesses designated as tourism destination points.
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rules that allow for the use of seasonal information signage for agritourism and farm markets.
Michigan Farmers Market Association, along with grower vendors, to establish guidelines for agriculture procedures of farmers markets and to assist them if requested. In the event fees are charged by municipalities to farms that participate in farmers markets, we believe those fees should not be in excess of the actual cost to run the market. We believe locally grown should be defined as produced in the state of Michigan, or within 50 miles of the state border.
Farmers markets and farm marketers to promote and provide education on food safety to consumers. Operations that welcome the general public on to their facilities to portray a professional image because they are our ambassadors to the public where positive perception is important.
Operations with livestock to participate in their respective national animal care programs.
We oppose:
Discriminatory regulation, licensing and inspection
by regulatory agencies and local units of government on farm markets, roadside stands and agritourism operations which restrict their ability to remain competitive. Markets should not be subject to duplicate inspection by MDARD, the Department of Community Health, and local units of government. 
State Policies – Page 9