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Hehlden Farms owner and operator Matt Hehl walks past the 'Centennial Farm' sign on his 35-acre property in Polkton Township. During his time as an Ottawa County commissioner, Hehl spearheaded creation of the Farmland Preservation Program.
Support farmland preservation
and eat well on 9.30.21
Farms are the Tapas chefs competition and local farms showcase raises funds for Ottawa County Farmland Preservation Program
West Michigan is in the midst of a growth spurt. Recently released 2020 Census data shows Ottawa County's population is up 12.3 percent over 2010, making it the fastest-growing county in the state. With its strong economy, natural beauty, and access to fresh, locally produced food, it's an attractive place to live. But with growth comes growing pains.
"Things have changed so much just in my 30-some years of adulthood," said lifelong farmer and former Ottawa County Commissioner Matt Hehl. "I struggle to think if you can find a full 80 (uninterrupted acres of farmland) between Allendale and Hudsonville."
What Hehl has noticed isn't just anecdotal: from 2012-2017, the county lost 8 percent of its farmed acreage and 17 percent of its farms. These changes haven't gone unnoticed. Ottawa County works to temper these losses with its Farmland Preservation Program, a program that in part was spearheaded by Matt Hehl during his time as a county commissioner. "For years we worked on farmland preservation. Eventually, we got the county board to take up (the issue) … We got it voted on, and it passed unanimously."
"Programs like Farms are the Tapas benefit farmland preservation, just by getting the word out and getting it some exposure."
Lifelong farmer and former
Ottawa County Commissioner Matt Hehl
Since the program's inception in 2008, more than 400 acres have been preserved. And with applications seeking to preserve and protect over 1,350 acres of farmland so far in 2021, it's clear the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is gaining traction. But interest far outpaces funding. That's where fundraising and advocacy events like Farms are the Tapas, set for 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Terra Square in Hudsonville, come in.
"Programs like Farms are the Tapas benefit farmland preservation, just by getting the word out and getting it some exposure," said Hehl. "It is a great preservation tool."
Now in its fifth year, Farms are Tapas features a chef cooking competition; locally sourced small-plate creations; and a virtual silent auction, which will open Sept. 27. Once the auction opens, registered participants will be able to bid on items via a smartphone or other web-connected device. The auction closes at 7:45 p.m. Sept. 30, at the end of the live event. And, just like last year, you don't need to buy a ticket to participate. Anyone can bid in the auction simply by registering online at Event.Gives/Tapas2021. Once registered, you can buy tickets, view event updates, peruse auction packages, and virtually bid on silent auction items.
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"Pivoting to a completely virtual registration and auction process last year worked out well," said Economic Development Coordinator Becky Huttenga. "We were able to get the message out to more people. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we raised more in 2020 than in 2019."
Sponsorship opportunities for Farms are the Tapas are still available. Proceeds support farmland preservation in Ottawa County. To register for the silent auction or buy tickets, visit miottawa.org/tapas, and click on the ‘Tickets’ tab, or go directly to Event.Gives/Tapas2021.
"Farms are the Tapas is more than just an appeal for financial support," said Farmland Preservation Specialist Julie Lamer. "It's a showcase of the local agriculture industry."
For more information on sponsoring Farms are the Tapas, to learn more about the PDR program, or how you can protect your fields, visit miOttawa.org/farmland, or contact a farmland preservation specialist at plan@miottawa.org or 616-738-4852.
COVID-19 notice
Your health and safety is of the utmost importance to Ottawa County. All recommended Ottawa County Health Department, state and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will be followed.
We will adjust the format as necessary to ensure a safe event. We have structured this event so that we can be flexible. Please continue to check MiOttawa.org/Tapas2021 and Event.Gives/Tapas2021 for any updates.
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