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Tickets on sale now for
Farms are the Tapas - Ottawa County's Farmland Preservation Fundraiser
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What: Farms are the Tapas, Ottawa County's Premier Fundraiser for Farmland Preservation
Where and When: The Red Shed, an event venue and working farm,
5301 Barry St., Hudsonville, Michigan 49426
More Info and Tickets: MiOttawa.org/Tapas
WEST OLIVE – As summer quickly gives way to fall in West Michigan, roadside stands and local markets brim with produce. It’s hard not to marvel at the sheer abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that is available.
"From apples to zucchini – you name it, a local farmer probably grows it – that is, unless you’re looking for bananas or coconuts," quipped Ottawa County Agriculture and Economic Resources Coordinator Becky Huttenga. "In all seriousness, Ottawa is one of the most agriculturally diverse counties in the state. Besides crops, our dedicated farmers raise a variety of livestock for meat, dairy and other commodities."
West Michigan’s agricultural cornucopia, however, is under threat. From 2017-2022, Ottawa County lost 8 percent of its farms and 16 percent of its farmed acreage (2022 Ag Census).
The Ottawa County Farmland Preservation Program works to stem this loss of farmland by partnering with local farmers to place conservation easements on the County's most productive agricultural parcels. Since 2016, this voluntary program has protected 697 acres in six townships across the County and will soon preserve 265 more acres.
To support this important work and to raise awareness of the challenges local farmers face, each year Ottawa County hosts a fundraising dinner – Farms are the Tapas. Part celebration, part culinary showcase, the eight-annual rendition of this event is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 at The Red Shed – an event center and working centennial farm just outside Hudsonville.
The centerpiece of Farms are the Tapas is the chef competition, where culinary pros incorporate locally sourced ingredients into unique small-plate dishes for a chance to take home the Harvest Knife award.
Folks enjoy tapas during a previous Farms are the Tapas event.
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This year, a record six restaurants are competing, including Holy Smokers BBQ of Holland, The Beard and Gal of Holland, The Farmhouse of Zeeland, Field & Fire of Grand Rapids, One Eyed Pete’s of Coopersville, and Mother Tongue Kitchen of Allegan.
"The chef competition continues to grow each year," said Farmland Preservation Analyst and Farms are the Tapas organizer Julie Lamer. "Each competitor brings their own style to create delicious one-of-a-kind dishes."
As guests dine on local delights and vote for their favorite, they can peruse the unique packages offered in the silent auction. The auction lineup for 2024 is nearly set and includes perennial favorites: a guided kayak trip up the Macatawa River, membership to the Outdoor Discovery Center, a sunset cruise, golf outings, and food packages from local farmers.
The silent auction lineup for 2024 is nearly set and includes perennial favorites: a guided kayak trip up the Macatawa River, membership to the Outdoor Discovery Center, a sunset cruise, golf outings, and food packages from local farmers.
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The virtual auction will open Friday, Sept. 20, a full four days ahead of the event. Once the auction opens, registered participants will be able to bid on items via smartphone or other web-connected device.
Tickets are $50, and all proceeds go toward farmland preservation efforts in Ottawa County. However, you don’t need to buy a ticket to participate in the fundraiser. Anyone can bid in the virtual silent auction simply by signing up online at
Event.Gives/Tapas2024.
Sponsorship opportunities for Farms are the Tapas are still available! For more information on sponsorship or to learn more about farmland preservation program, visit miottawa.org/farmland, contact a farmland preservation specialist at plan@miottawa.org, or call 616-738-4852.
About the Farmland Preservation Program
Ottawa County’s Farmland Preservation Program protects the vital local agricultural industry and slows the loss of farms and farmland. Funded through a combination of private donations and state and federal grants, the program preserves farmland through the purchase and donation of development rights for actively farmed property. This program allows participating landowners to receive compensation for the development potential of their land, yet still retain ownership and other rights associated with it through a permanent easement.
Learn more about Ottawa County’s farmland preservation efforts at
miOttawa.org/Farmland.
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