Farmland Preservation Program: Pre-Applications Open October 1

Summary

The Van Buren County Land Preservation Board's pre-applications for the Farmland Preservation Program opens October 1. Pre-applications are the first step in programming to protect farmland from development. The Van Buren County Community Services Department helps with information and applications.

Van Buren County is farm country. From our Fruit Belt orchards and vineyards to the rows of field crops, agriculture is a defining part of who we are. Starting October 1, the Van Buren County Land Preservation Board is opening pre-applications for the Farmland Preservation Program, giving our farms an avenue to preserving our farmland.

What the Program Does

Through the purchase of development rights, a landowner can voluntarily sell or donate the development rights on their farm. In exchange, a permanent agricultural conservation easement keeps the land available for farming. The landowner continues to own, farm, lease, sell, or pass down the property, and the protection stays with the land for future owners. It is a lasting way to invest in the farms, soils, and rural character that make Van Buren County a great place to live and work.

“Agriculture is a very important part of Van Buren County’s economy – but it also supports our families, strengthens our communities and shapes our way of life. Preserving farmland helps ensure that future generations have the opportunity to farm and carry on the traditions that make our county special.” – Lisa Ransler, Community Services Director, Van Buren County

Start With a Simple Pre-Application

The pre-application is the easy first step. It is a short form that tells our staff about your property so we can talk with you about eligibility, the required match, and what to expect. It does not obligate you to anything, and there is no cost to start the conversation. Pre-applications are open October 1 through October 16. If your property looks like a good fit, staff will provide the full application and walk with you through each step.

Basic eligibility includes at least 51% of the land in an agricultural use, generally at least 20 acres, consent of all owners, land within a participating township, and at least 25% of the appraised development-rights value provided as eligible match (a landowner donation can count toward the match).

How the Local Timeline Unfolds

• Pre-application period: October 1 to October 16, 2026
• Full local applications due: December 23, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
• Board review, scoring, and ranking: January 13, 2027
• State (MDARD) application: submitted after the State opens its cycle

The State has not yet issued its application schedule, so the nomination steps will follow once that cycle opens. Local selection and ranking do not guarantee a State grant, an offer, or a closing.

Building on Real Momentum

This program has a proven local track record, from the county’s first preserved farm (the 81-acre Lachman easement in Paw Paw Township in 2008) to recent momentum that includes a state grant to help preserve 219 acres of the Druskovich family farm in Hamilton Township. To make this round easier to navigate, we have refreshed our program materials with a plain-language overview, a short pre-application, and clear answers to common questions.

Get Started

Guidelines, the pre-application, and the full application are available in the document library on our Land Preservation Board page. Our Community Services Department is glad to answer questions and help you get started.

Click here to visit the Land Preservation Board page and open the document library.

About the Van Buren County Land Preservation Board

The Van Buren County Land Preservation Board helps farm families keep their land in agriculture for good. We are a board of farmers, landowners, and local community members. We work alongside landowners and communities to protect our rural character and the farms that feed our communities and define our county, and we pursue the state and federal grants that make it possible. Keeping Van Buren County farming for generations to come.

Questions & More

Community Services Department

269-657-8200 ext. 1073

CommunityServices@VanBurenCountyMI.gov