Michigan’s Farmland Preservation Program Benefits the Environment
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Farmers are traditionally motivated by two related goals. One is maintaining heritage and livelihood. The other is contributing to environmental sustainability and conservation.
The Farmland Open Space and Preservation Program, commonly known as PA 116, is administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and combines both goals, which helps farmers become part of the climate change solution.
“I believe the intent of the program, to preserve farmland and open space, can limit urban sprawl and impact the state’s carbon footprint,” says Chip Kraus, program manager.
MDARD’s Farmland Development Rights Agreement provides perhaps the most immediate environmental impact. It applies to eligible farms of various sizes, including one-ownership farms as small as 5 acres to large farm operations with thousands of acres.
“I’m in Kent County, near Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in the state,” says Jerry Miller, president of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, noting the larger the city, the larger its suburbs, with residents who often seek both country living and urban convenience.
He explains the outermost suburban area of any city is where small hobby and specialty farms are found. Those farms provide acreage for small crop or livestock operations without the diversified means of production necessary for maintaining large farms. They’re often also excluded from programs eligible to larger farms. However, depending on their classification, they may be eligible for PA 116.
“PA 116 preserves farmland by granting development rights to the State of Michigan, and in exchange, landowners can apply for property tax credits,” Kraus says.
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Participants can apply for a tax credit that can be substantial, and since the state doesn’t charge an application fee, the program can benefit the farm, the state and the environment.
The MDARD agreement duration is a minimum of 10 years and cannot exceed a total of 90 years. The agreement may be suspended for large-scale solar developments, providing another environmental benefit. If approved, the agreement expiration date is equally extended, preserving the total number of years the property is enrolled in the program.
“PA 116 allows us to be true stewards of the land and leave a positive legacy for all generations to come,” Miller says.
For more information about PA 116, call (517) 284-5663 or visit michigan.gov/farmland.
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