Farmland Preservation
With area farmers producing more than $726 million in products annually (2022 Ag Census), Ottawa County is an agricultural powerhouse. Also, out of the largest counties in the state, Ottawa County is the fastest growing and has a low unemployment rate. But this positive growth comes at a cost to agriculture: between 2017 and 2022, Ottawa County lost 16% of its farmed acreage and 8% of its farms. Ottawa County’s Farmland Preservation Program seeks to protect this vital industry.
Purchase of Development Rights Program
Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights Program is a voluntary program that preserves farmland by purchasing or receiving donations of development rights from an actively farmed property. Landowners are compensated for lost development potential, yet still own the land and retain all other rights associated with it. The land must continue to be used for agricultural purposes, or remain in a natural state perpetually regardless of transfer or sale of property.
Farms are the Tapas 2026
Join us the evening of Sept. 17, 2026 as we celebrate 10 years of Farms are the Tapas at The Red Shed & Byre 53 outside Hudsonville! Ottawa County’s premier small-plate fundraiser for Farmland Preservation brings West Michigan farmers and the public together to showcase the value of local agriculture and the amazing talent of local food service providers.
If you have questions or are interested in sponsoring, please contact Farmland Preservation Analyst Julie Lamer at 616.836.5795 or jlamer@miottawa.org
Farmland Protection Strategy
Ottawa County surveyed agricultural landowners in 2019 and again in 2026 to learn and monitor how we can best support our agriculture industry. The survey results were used to create the Focus on Ag Plan which serves as a guide for County agricultural economic development activities. Accomplishments achieved by implementing those activities are documented in the exhibits in the plan. The County will continue its support of this robust and vital agriculture industry.
Resources
MiFarmLink Project
MIFarmLink works to secure Michigan’s agricultural heritage by bridging the gap between farmers seeking land with farmland owners.
Farming Forward 2026
Register now for Farming Forward – a free educational worshop set for 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 29 at Terra Square in Hudsonville. This free workshop provides farmers with a crash course on succession planning, land-linking, regenerative ag, and farm stress management.
Tour Our Protected Farms
Since 2016, 733 acres have been protected through the County’s Purchase of Development Rights Program. This scrollable storymap takes visitors on a virtual tour of each preserved property.
Video: What Farmland Means to Us
Over the summer of 2022, DSI staff member Rich C. Lakeberg conducted a handful of leaders from a variety of private and public organizations what Ottawa County farmland means to them. The result: A 10-minute video documentary which tells the story of Ottawa County agriculture and emphasizes the importance of farmland preservation. This video was first shown at Farms are the Tapas 2022.