Farmland Preservation
Increasingly, Michigan’s agricultural land, agricultural products, and innovative industry potential are becoming an invaluable focus on which to base Michigan’s future. Annually, the agri-food business contributes $73 billion to the state’s economy and employs over 1 million residents (25% of the people working in Michigan). Michigan’s agricultural economy expanded at a rate of 5.9%, a full percentage point above the state’s general economy, between 2004 and 2006 and continues to expand. Producing over 120 commodities on 10 million acres of farmland, Michigan prides itself as the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, leading United States production of 19 commodities. From fresh, local fruits and vegetables available around the state to the commodities we export, Michigan can’t afford not to invest in agricultural land protection.
Heart of the Lakes Farmland Resources
Heart of the Lakes’ Protecting Michigan’s Agricultural Future report, makes the case for farmland preservation, assess needs, synthesizes documentation and case studies, and recommends action through advancing public policy and strengthening existing preservation programs.
Other Farmland Resources
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Latest news on the 2008 USDA Farm Bill
2008 Farm Bill Conservation Funding Opportunities:
Conservation Reserve Program - 2008 Farm Bill CRP Summary (PDF 45 KB)
Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program - 2008 Farm Bill Summary for Emergency Forest Restoration Program (PDF 21 KB)
Grassland Reserve Program- 2008 Farm Bill GRP Summary (PDF 69 KB)
Source Water Protection Program - 2008 Farm Bill Source Water Summary (PDF 20 KB)
Biomass Crop Assistance Program- 2008 Farm Bill Summary for Biomass Crop Assistance Program (PDF 29 KB)
Public Access Program - 2008 Farm Bill Summary for Public Access Program (PDF 23 KB)
