Washington, D.C., October 26, 2009 —

Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909

Dear Governor Granholm,

We at American Farmland Trust were dismayed to hear of your recent decision to eliminate the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board.

We understand that this action was taken as part of an overall effort to consolidate state functions and activities related to the management of natural resources and the environment to avoid duplication, promote better coordination and increase efficiencies; all laudable goals.  However, we do feel that eliminating the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board in this consolidation will deprive the agricultural community in Michigan with an important voice and advocate within state government at a crucial time for the state’s farm families and rural communities.

Farmland is indeed an important natural resource, one that provides multiple environmental benefits and ecosystem services.  However, it is first and foremost the central raw material of farming and the underpinning of Michigan’s agricultural economy.  Protecting farmland requires an understanding and appreciation of the economic challenges and opportunities presented to those farm families that will be the stewards of preserved farmland into the future. 

The Agricultural Preservation Fund Board not only represents the commitment of the state of Michigan to protecting its valuable farmland resources for future generations, it provides much needed counsel within state government on linking the protection of farmland with agricultural viability and rural community economic development.

I urge you to reconsider your decision regarding the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jon Scholl
President

Cc: Don Koivisto, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture