On Tuesday, June 25, eight Culver's locations in West Michigan dedicated 10% of their sales for the evening, donating over $3,800 to the Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. This program compensates owners of farmland, paying for future development rights, so the land will have a deed that limits non-agricultural uses. Kent County explains:
Landowners are compensated for the fair market value of their land, based on the difference between what it could be sold for on the open market with no restrictions and what it can be sold for as farmland. Independent, professional appraisers determine these values and an agreement is negotiated on an individual basis with the farmer. Once an easement is in place, the landowner may still sell the land on the open market as farmland. All private property rights remain intact.
I was able to visit three participating Culver's locations that night, and each was packed with patrons. Members of the Kent County Agricultural Preservation Board and MSU Extension greeted people at the door, and other volunteers delivered trays to customers. I heard many people tell the Board members that they grew up on a farm, and that was why they were at Culver's that night.
Kent County Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Co-Chair Nicole Zaagman set up a table at the Byron Center Culver's and dedicated 10% of her Parkside Farm sales to the PDR Program. She enjoyed talking with patrons and meeting Ag Preservation Board members. She said,
So amazing to be a part of this event across West Michigan with multiple Culver’s locations and with amazing organizations like Kent County Farm Bureau and @mifarmlink who have partnered together for such an amazing cause!
Here is what Heffron Farms Market posted on Facebook the next day:
THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support farmland preservation at our Culver's Share Night! Your generosity will help us protect our precious farmland for future generations.
The importance of supporting local farmland cannot be overstated. Between 2017 and 2022, the Agricultural Census revealed that Kent County lost more than 13,000 acres of farmland - a pressing issue that affects our ability to feed our communities. When it comes to feeding our families, it's crucial to know where our food comes from.
That's why we're dedicated to supporting local farms and preserving our farmland.... Every acre counts, and every donation makes a difference.
In fact, the 2012 census showed that Michigan dropped below 10 million farmed acres for the first time - a stark reminder of the importance of farmland preservation.
We´d also like to extend a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped make this event possible. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
A special thank you to Denny Heffron, the owner of our beloved farm, for his continued support and for volunteering his tractors at the event! We are grateful for his dedication to our community's agricultural heritage.
So thank you for your support! Keep shopping local and supporting your local farms. If you'd like to donate to this important cause, please reach out to the PDR program at (616) 942-4111 x-3 or [email protected].
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our community has access to fresh, locally-grown food for generations to come.
Thank you to Steve Stephan, owner-operator of three of the Culver's locations for getting the ball rolling, and bringing in five other operators. Thank you to all those who ate at the following Culver's that night: Byron Center, Cascade, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, East Beltline, Lowell, Walker, and Wyoming. All of us who are passionate about Kent County agriculture are grateful for you!