Michigan Struggles to Preserve Vanishing Farmland

State lags behind others in protecting agricultural land from development pressures

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Michigan is falling behind other states in preserving its dwindling farmland, as development pressures from housing, solar, and data centers drive farmers to sell their land. Despite the state's $126 billion agricultural industry, lawmakers have set aside only $1.9 million for local governments to purchase farmland development rights, a fraction of what other states have invested. Farmers like Carl Druskovich are tempted by lucrative offers from developers but want to keep their land in production for future generations.

Why it matters

The loss of farmland in Michigan threatens the state's agricultural economy and food security. As more farms are converted to non-agricultural uses, it becomes harder to maintain a local food supply and sustain the state's rural communities. Preserving farmland is crucial for protecting the environment, supporting family farms, and ensuring long-term food production.

The details

Since 2012, 5% of Michigan's farmland has disappeared, with the biggest losses occurring in the state's 'fruit belt' region along the Lake Michigan coast. Developers have been buying up land for housing, solar projects, and data centers, often offering farmers seven-figure sums that are hard to refuse. While some counties have started farmland preservation programs, the state's $1.9 million budget for these efforts is dwarfed by the millions that developers are willing to pay for agricultural land.

  • From 2012 to 2022, Michigan has lost over 6,600 farms covering nearly 500,000 acres.
  • Between 2001 and 2021, the Midwest region has lost 1.6 million acres of farmland.

The players

Carl Druskovich

A seventh-generation southwest Michigan fruit farmer who still has to work full-time as a dentist to make ends meet. He wants to preserve his 400-acre farm so his godson can take it over.

Becky Huttenga

The agriculture and economic resources coordinator for Ottawa County, which has lost nearly 42,000 acres of farmland between 2012 and 2022.

Nikki Rothwell

A Michigan State University Extension specialist and coordinator at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center, who says farmers are facing 'big time' pressure to sell to developers.

Lisa Ransler

The community services director for Van Buren County, where the county Land Preservation Board has saved 81 acres of farmland through the state's purchase of development rights program.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The state agency that oversees the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, which has temporarily preserved about 3 million of Michigan's 9.5 million acres of farmland.

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What they’re saying

“I can see why some people are just saying 'forget it,'”

— Carl Druskovich, Seventh-generation fruit farmer (Bridge Michigan)

“Michigan as a whole has not embraced permanent protection of farmland as well as states out east and on the West Coast.”

— Becky Huttenga, Agriculture and economic resources coordinator, Ottawa County (Bridge Michigan)

“It's all about money. You gotta have these growers make money.”

— Nikki Rothwell, Michigan State University Extension specialist (Bridge Michigan)

“Once the ground has had concrete and drainfields and wells dug into it, it's really not compatible with agriculture. You can't reverse that.”

— Sue Boomgaard-Rasch, Ottawa County fruit farmer (Bridge Michigan)

“Growth is inevitable but sprawl is optional, and communities need to plan how they want to see their future.”

— Lisa Ransler, Community services director, Van Buren County (Bridge Michigan)

What’s next

The Van Buren County Land Preservation Board has asked the state to help fund the preservation of two additional farms, including Carl Druskovich's Decatur fruit farm. The board is also encouraging local communities to use zoning to preserve farmland and limit sprawl.

The takeaway

Michigan's struggle to preserve its vanishing farmland highlights the need for stronger state and local policies to protect agricultural land from development pressures. Without concerted efforts to support family farmers and invest in farmland preservation, the state risks losing a crucial part of its agricultural heritage and economic foundation.