Over $1.1 million funded to four West Michigan counties, farmland conservation
LANSING, Mich. — Four counties in West Michigan are expected to receive funding for local farmland preservation.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board funded the grants as part of the farmland preservation program, according to the state of Michigan.
The counties selected to receive funding over 490 acres are:
- Ottawa County - $267,899
- Kent County - $152,000
- Berrien County - $120,000
- Barry County - $604,800
The funding is expected to preserve farmland in the state of Michigan, while ensuring local, fresh food, and helps keep jobs in Michigan's agricuture, according to the Acting Director of MDARD, Kathy Angerer.
“These grants help local communities work together with farmers to preserve open space, protect wildlife habitat and food sources, and promote conservation for our future," Angerer said.
According to MDARD, the grant also maintains conservation easement, which keeps land available for agricultural or open space uses.
An easement also protects the quality of farmland, the natural condition of the land, and the land remains in private ownership, according to MDARD.