Help Support Your Local Farmer

I, Chad Fusilier, am a young farmer just outside the city of Chelsea, in Sylvan Township. I started the process for purchasing a farm in the spring of 2013 as a senior in high school. Now I am finishing up my senior year at Michigan State University with dual degrees in Agribusiness Management and Horticultural Sciences.

My operation is a local, direct-market produce and greenhouse operation. I strive to offer quality, high-value produce to the local community. 

Ever since I opened my store I have been under scrutiny from the township. During this past season, new people started at the township and re-started the issue that was settled four years ago.

The township says I am out of compliance for operating my business. However, state law, the Right-to-Farm act, guarantees my rights to do business and operate it as I am currently. I have tried to look for compromises but township officials will not budge. 

Now, we’re going to court to finalize this issue. I have every right to operate a farm market according to state law, which numerous court cases have affirmed, supersedes township ordinances in question in my case.

The township is interpreting the law in its own way. Now, the courts will decide.

I am a young farmer. I’ve been in business for five years. My whole life I have wanted to be a farmer in the produce industry. All I want to do is grow my product and offer it to my customers. Now, my ability to do so is under attack. I try to cooperate as much as I can and am willing to make adjustments to my operation as long as the requests are not too outrageous, but this was unacceptable.

I hope I can receive funds from others to help me fight this issue. And I am not only doing this for myself. Many farmers across Michigan are facing legal issues with townships, and this issue needs to be settled once and for all. 

Thank you for any help you offer! It is great appreciated.