Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Application is Open
The 2026 Purchase of Development Rights program application cycle is now open and accepting applications until Friday, May 8, 2026. Through this voluntary program, Kent County helps seek compensation for owners of agricultural property for their willingness to accept a permanent deed restriction on their land that limits future development of the land for non-agricultural purposes. If you or someone you know owns agricultural land and wants to see it preserved as farmland forever, then selling or donating the development rights may be the right course of action. No landowner will ever be forced to sell their land and the purchase price or donation value will come from a third-party appraisal of the land.
There will be two opportunities for prospective applicants to learn more about the program and ask questions.
Informational Townhall Meetings:
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February 3 from 6:00-7:00pm
North Kent Sheriff Station
4191 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs
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February 19 from 10:00-11:00am
Fairway of Kent County
13955 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell
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Both the application and scoring criteria are available online at www.kentcountymi.gov/pdr. Contact Kent County PDR program staff Haley Stichman by email haley.stichman@kentcountymi.gov or phone (616) 632-7593 for more information.
Agricultural Preservation Board Adopts Strategic Plan to Protect Farmland
At it's meeting this month, the Agricultural Preservation Board approved a new strategic plan focused on sustaining and strengthening farmland preservation efforts in Kent County. Key priorities include:
- Maintaining and growing the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program through state and federal funding and annual application cycles
- Supporting succession and land transfer planning in partnership with Ottawa County to help farmers transition land to the next generation
- Promoting available resources through outreach events, newsletters, and one-on-one support
These efforts aim to protect high-value farmland and ensure a vibrant agricultural future for the region.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming PDR projects and community engagement opportunities!
Learn more and view the strategic plan here
Get the Right Land Protection Tools
Ensuring a job is well done often comes down to having the right tools. When it comes to protecting farmland, one of the most effective tools is having a succession or transfer plan in place. Between 2017 and 2022, Kent County saw farmland acreage decline by about 9%, even as the number of farms increased by 4%—a clear sign of development pressure and fragmentation. Given these trends, land transfer plans have never been more important.
But transferring a viable agricultural operation can be daunting, whether you’re at the beginning or end of your ag career. It’s hard to feel confident that every aspect is being handled properly. Farming Forward is here to help.
Join us on Tuesday, March 17 at King Milling Co in Lowell for Farming Forward, a free workshop where you’ll learn how to start (or continue) working on a succession or transfer plan for your farm operation. Sessions will cover estate planning, agricultural conservation easements, tools to connect beginning farmers with your land, and mediation services when things don’t go quite as planned.
New Resources to Help You Grow Your Farming Future
MSU Extension has launched the Beginning Farmer Resource & Decision‑Making Guide—a free, comprehensive tool designed to help new farmers succeed. From production basics like soil, water, and livestock to business essentials such as marketing and financing, this guide offers practical, easy-to-use information.
Available as a full handbook or in standalone chapters, it’s a living resource that will grow with your needs.
Download the guide today and start building your farm future!
Learn more and access the guide here.
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