The county board Tuesday unanimously approved the Purchase of Development Rights program, which officials said represents a step toward giving farmers options in keeping their land available for agricultural use.

"I would look at the PDR program as one tool in the long-term planning process to preserve farmland," county Planning and Grants Manager Mark Knudsen said.

"The effectiveness of that tool is directly related to the amount of funding that's going to be coming from the state and federal governments in the future."

The county board did not set aside money for the new program, leaving the matter of providing the local costs to interested townships, foundations and possibly even farmers.

The lack of an identified local funding source was cited as a concern at a public hearing on the issue.

Farmland preservation efforts have been slowed the past two years by a lack of state funding, but Knudsen is optimistic funds from Lansing will be available next year for farmers interested in the PDR program.

A seven-member committee, with three representing agricultural interests, will be appointed to oversee the county program.

The panel will review applications using a formula considering a parcel's size, its farming activity and whether it is planned for future commercial or industrial use.

The highest-scoring applications will be referred to the state for consideration for funding. Any state funding will have to have at least a 25 percent local match, Knudsen said.

"Quite often, what you'll find is that the farmers will donate the 25 percent off the value of their development rights as a local match," he said.

Commissioners consider the new program worth trying.

"We'll see what comes out of it," board Chairman Don Disselkoen, R-Holland, said.

Kent has preserved 700 acres

In Kent County, a purchase of development rights program has preserved seven farms and about 700 acres since 2002. It receives about 40 applicants annually, said Kendra Wills, a Michigan State University Extension service land-use educator.

Five of the seven farms preserved are located in the Parnell area of Vergennes Township, she said.

Kent County has an April 30 application deadline for this year's PDR program, Wills said.