Ottawa County Farmland Preservation Program is accepting applications!

Ottawa County is now accepting applications from landowners interested in preserving farmland.  The Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is a voluntary program that preserves farmland by purchasing or receiving donations of development rights from an actively farmed property.  The first farm preserved by the program was the Hehl Farm, a 34.9 acre hog and cattle farm in Polkton Township.

Farmland preservation offers a variety of benefits including economic, environmental, a local food supply, and adding to our quality of life in West Michigan.  Did you know that Ottawa County is third in the total value of agricultural products sold?  Did you know that 22% of our state’s employment is connected to the food and agricultural industry?  How often do you shop at a local farmer’s market or road-side farm stand?  Do you enjoy taking a drive into the countryside and enjoying the natural beauty of our local farms and open spaces?  Without farmland preservation we would not enjoy the many benefits local farms provide.

The PDR Application and scoring criteria for 2017 are now available.  The application is due by 5pm on July 31, 2017.   A workshop to inform landowners about the PDR Program and assist with filling out the application will be held on Tuesday, May 9, from 8am-10:30am, at the Fillmore Complex, Main Conference Room.  We are located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

To RSVP for the workshop, please email Linda Falstad or call 616-738-4852.     

Media Contact: Linda Falstad | Farmland Preservation Analyst | 616-738-4852