Right to Home Farm Bill Advances in Georgia

On March 11, 2010, Georgia’s House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs favorably reported out HB 842, legislation that would preempt local ordinances so that individuals may grow food crops and raise small animals on private property. The legislation applies as long as the crops and animals are used for human consumption by the occupants, gardeners, or raisers and their households, and not for commercial purposes. The bill covers community or cooperative gardens, coops, or pens as well as individual backyard gardens, coops or pens. No site may exceed 2.75 acres, and the bill does not prevent individuals from suing to stop nuisances caused by agricultural activities.