Ann Arbor Launches Initiative to Help Farmers Purchase Farmland
The city of Ann Arbor in Michigan has introduced a new program called Buy-Protect-Sell, aimed at supporting land-insecure farmers in purchasing farmland. This initiative is part of the city’s Greenbelt program, which was established in 2003 to conserve farmland surrounding Ann Arbor.
Remy Long, the deputy manager of land acquisition for the Greenbelt program, stated that they are on track to surpass their goal of preserving up to 10,000 acres in Washtenaw County. Over the past year, the program has successfully conserved over 7,600 acres across 85 properties surrounding Ann Arbor.
The Buy-Protect-Sell approach is commonly used by agencies nationwide to acquire properties for preservation and subsequently conduct a competitive proposal process. By acquiring protected status, these properties can be sold at a reduced price, making farmland more accessible to aspiring farmers.
Affordable farmland access is often identified as the main barrier for individuals looking to establish their own farms. There is a scarcity of affordable farmland purchasing opportunities, and the permanent conservation of farmland helps reduce its value, making it more affordable for new and beginning farmers. The preservation process can lower the value of a property by as much as 40-70%.
Currently, the city is accepting proposals for its first-ever affordable farmland property in Northfield Township. The property, located on Nollar Road, spans 54 acres and is priced at $326,000. It can also be divided into two parcels: one consisting of 20 acres priced at $122,000, and the other, 34 acres, priced at $204,000. These prices reflect a fraction of what the land would sell for on the open market.
To be eligible to purchase the property, individuals must meet several criteria outlined on the city’s website. These criteria include not owning any farmland property, having a gross annual farm income of less than $250,000, and not being a legal entity comprised of more than 25 full-time members, among others.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate their active participation in farm operations for at least two years or have equivalent qualifications in agricultural training, education, and experience. They are also required to submit a farm plan for the requested parcel(s) and provide evidence of financial readiness to purchase the land within three months of entering a sales contract. The closing timeline for the sale is expected to be within a year of contract execution.
By launching this Buy-Protect-Sell initiative, Ann Arbor aims to support aspiring farmers in acquiring farmland at affordable prices, ultimately fostering a vibrant agricultural community in the area. With reduced land costs, more individuals will have the opportunity to pursue their farming dreams and contribute to sustainable farming practices.
The city is now accepting purchase proposals until September 11th, and interested farmers are encouraged to apply. As the Greenbelt program celebrates its 20th anniversary, this new initiative represents a significant milestone in its efforts to preserve farmland and support the agricultural community in and around Ann Arbor.
