Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants
Forecasted
The Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants from MDARD fund science-based conservation easements to permanently protect Michigan farmland through local government partnerships.
Funder: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (qualification approval) | March 2027 (grant application, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per new program per cycle; max $5,000–$7,500 per acre for conservation easement purchase; minimum 25% local match required.
Summary: Supports Michigan local governments in permanently preserving farmland through acquisition of agricultural conservation easements.
Description
The Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants are administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to help local units of government—counties, cities, townships, and villages with zoning authority—permanently preserve farmland. Funding supports the purchase of agricultural conservation easements through qualified local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs, protecting Michigan’s agricultural land base and supporting rural sustainability. Grants are awarded annually, contingent on available funds, and are designed to leverage local and other matching resources for maximum conservation impact.
