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Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants

The Agricultural Preservation Fund and associated Agricultural Preservation Fund Board provides grants to eligible local units of government and their qualified Purchase of Development Rights programs (PDRs). The term "local unit of government" refers to counties, cities, townships and villages that have the authority to zone property as provided by law. Applications for grants occur on an annual basis. If an applicant receives a grant, the grants may be used for the purchase of permanent agricultural conservation easements to preserve farmland.

Agricultural Preservation Fund Board Information, Meeting Notices, and Approved Meeting Minutes

The Agricultural Preservation Fund has three revenue sources:

  • Farmland Tax Credit repayments - MCL 324.36111 through 36113
  • Annual Treasury transfer fees - MCL 206.51(3)
  • Agricultural Use Recapture tax - MCL 211.1001 through 1007

If the Agricultural Preservation Fund balance exceeds $5 million after grants have been awarded, the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board may approve the Purchase of Development Rights by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Staff and Contact Information

Grant Application Cycle

FY24 Grant Application

Estimated Timeline for Grants and Applications

Sample Grant Application

Qualified Local Programs

Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board Request for Qualification Form 

Local PDR Program Guidance

Resources

Policies and Procedures: Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Policies & Procedures, Application Process & Scoring System

Part 362 of Public Act 451 of 1994

Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program Contact Information

Agricultural Preservation Fund Board Information, Meeting Notices, and Approved Meeting Minutes