For Agricultural Lands Governor also announces plan for agricultural renaissance zones Michigan Governor John Engler today announced two significant initiatives that address farmland taxation and economic attraction of agricultural processors as ways to help return profitability to the Michigan family farm. Speaking to about 400 county representatives at the Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Day in Lansing, Engler announced his support for farm use-based tax assessment of agricultural land, including an agricultural preservation fund, purchase of development rights program and agricultural districts. He also called for Agriculture Processing Facility Renaissance Zones for food processors. This two-pronged effort will make our farmers more competitive and profitable by providing relief from overly burdensome property taxes encouraged by suburban development.
Profitability is the key to keeping our farmers on the land.
Engler announced his strong support for farm use-based tax assessment for Michigan agricultural land and promised to push for its inclusion on the General Election ballot this fall. If approved, it is expected to represent Michigan's 32nd tax cut since Governor Engler took office. The administration s legislative tax cut package also includes a proposal for a State Agricultural Preservation Fund to be administered by a seven-member board. The program will provide farmland preservation grants to counties and will target agricultural districts where local communities have committed to a long-term future for agriculture. The governor's second proposal calls for creation of up to 10 Agricultural Processing Facility Renaissance Zones in Michigan.