Michigan : State Programs | American Farmland Trust

Every year, America loses 1.2 million acres of farmland, much of it our best and most productive farmland near where most Americans live. Nearly 39,000 acres of farmland per year are converted to development in Michigan.

Michigan fresh produce Keep the Focus on Farmland

In 2000 the State of Michigan passed legislation forming the framework for local farmland protection programs to develop. Since then, 20 counties in the state have passed county PDR ordinances and have established local agricultural preserve boards. At the same time, Michigan's state legislature established the state Agricultural Preservation Fund intended to provide cost-sharing to local programs created under this act - but in 2009, Governor Granholm eliminated the program. Read American Farmland Trust President Jon Scholl's letter to the governor, urging her to reinstate the Agricultural Preservation Fund.

Farmland Protection Is the Winning Ticket

American Farmland Trust has a successful history in Kent County, Michigan. With the support of community organizations, like the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Frey Foundation, Steelcase Foundation and the Wege Foundation, we helped implement a farmland preservation ordinance, the creation of an Agricultural Preservation Board, and conservation easements on several key farms. Listen to this story of two protected Kent County Farms Protected (audio).

The Local Way is a Win-Win for Kids and the Economy

The state of Michigan has passed legislation that will help schools purchase locally grown foods for meals and snacks by
increasing school budgets for purchasing local food and enhance opportunities for school officials and local food producers to build cooperative relationships. The law not only allows schools to purchase healthy, fresh, and local foods, but supports the local economy by keeping millions of tax dollars in the state. Megan Brown, deputy press secretary for the governor’s office, called the newly passed legislation “a win-win for our kids and the economy.”

study affirms tax savings for communities

AFT completed a Cost of Community Services (COCS) study for Calhoun County that showed protecting farmland in Calhoun County saved valuable tax dollars for residents. Keeping land in agriculture means that water, police and fire protection and education taxes remain low—cows don’t go to school and cucumbers don’t dial 911! As a result of our study, Calhoun County residents have begun to develop their own county level farmland protection program. more

The Apple As Planet Earth

Do you know how much of the earth is suitable for farming? Watch the video and learn why protecting our farmland is so important.

FederAl Farm Policy and The farm bill

What’s in the farm bill and why is it important? Find out what’s next for the farm bill and how we can make sure the legislation's promises are turned into programs on the ground.