Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Honey Bees

The Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) for the Care of Farm Animals include recommendations for managing honey bees. Michigan beekeepers who generate some income from their beekeeping activities each year are protected under the Right to Farm Act, just like other farmers and ranchers. This protection means that beekeepers have some support from nuisance complaints made through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). If a beekeeper receives a nuisance complaint, MDARD can respond and evaluate the activities of the beekeeper to determine if they are following best practices, which can help in the beekeeper’s defense.