By RACHEL KUNTZSCH
August 20, 2008 12:00 am Michigan's economy is in a state of transition. As we seek to find our place in the new economy, our history may offer a clue to the future. As the state's No. 2 industry, agriculture remains a bright spot in our economic landscape. Michigan's farmland is perhaps one of the most important assets in our state. Michigan farms produce a wider diversity of commercial crops than any state in the country other than California and have a $60 billion-plus impact on our state's economy. The protection of this land and the values it represents are paramount for the well-being of Michigan citizens, as well as for the economic prosperity of our state. Michigan has a viable edge when it comes to farming. Our globally significant fruit ridge allows for specialty crops like blueberries and cherries to flourish unlike in any other state. This crop diversity also promotes agriculture tourism, such as berry picking, visits to Michigan wineries and local farmers' markets, which ultimately fuel our economy. When tourists come to enjoy the beautiful farmland and unique crops, they also invest in our state. Unfortunately, Michigan's competitive advantage in agriculture continues to be eroded by the ongoing conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. It is well documented that the rate of land conversion in Michigan far exceeds what is needed to support its population growth. This conversion of farms to suburbs presents challenges that go well beyond just farmland loss. On the upside, with the passage of the Farm Bill, hundreds of millions of dollars are available to Michigan to leverage the protection of our agricultural resources, which will ensure both the preservation of the land and the continuation of active farming. The catch -- a state or local match is generally required to access these federal resources. While the state of Michigan operates several agricultural preservation programs, these programs are woefully underfunded and do not provide the leverage needed to come close to accessing "our share" of federal dollars. In a few parts of the state, including northwest Lower Michigan such as in Peninsula and Acme townships, local communities have made the commitment to preserve their agricultural economy and have approved ballot proposals for local farmland protection. In the recent primary election voters in Ingham County successfully supported Michigan's first countywide farmland and open space preservation millage. Programs such as these allow citizens to preserve critical lands that might otherwise be lost to development, in a responsible, voluntary way. All Michiganders and our legislators alike must continue to recognize the importance of preserving Michigan's agricultural land to the state's economy and quality of life. Through Michigan voters' active support of thoughtful policies and increased funding for protecting our state's farmland, policymakers can continue to seize the opportunity to ensure the protection of Michigan's agricultural land base as well as our economic future. About the author: Rachel Kuntzsch is executive director of Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy, which serves as the policy voice and convener for Michigan's nonprofit land conservancies. About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.
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