The Van Buren Development Council is now accepting donations to the County's Farmland and Open Space Preservation Fund. The preservation program is also referred to as the Purchase of Development Rights, or PDR, program.

The continued success of businesses and rural character in Van Buren County depend on local foods and farming operations. In fact, Van Buren County ranks number 1, not only in Michigan, but nationwide, in the production blueberries and in cucumber processing. Van Buren County also ranks number 2 of Michigan counties in grapes and number 3 in apples and asparagus.

However, because Southwest Michigan is losing farmland, the Van Buren County Land Preservation Board (LPB) is asking for support of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program. Checks of any dollar amount can be made out to the "Van Buren Development Council" with "farmland" in the memo line and mailed to:

Van Buren County MSU Extension
219 Paw Paw St, Suite 201
Paw Paw, MI 49079

The Van Buren Development Council is a 501(c)(3), so donations are tax-deductible. Funds raised will assist with program expenses such as certified appraisals, title work, legal fees, and purchasing development rights from voluntary landowners.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dave Foerster via e-mail at foerdog@aol.com or during business hours at 269.655.9008.