Agriculture - Introduction

Agriculture is an important part of the County’s economy. In addition to jobs and contributing food and fiber production to society, agriculture preserves our heritage, provides a buffer between our unique landscapes and adds value to the quality of life for County residents.

The County has a relatively strong agricultural economy despite a continued decline in active agriculture operations and a reduction in suppporting infrastructure. In 1997, Washtenaw County’s farm economy ranked 24th out of 83 Michigan counties and ranked third, behind Lenawee and Monroe Counties, out of 10 southeastern Michigan counties. These rankings speak to the importance of Washtenaw County’s agricultural sector in the region and in Michigan. Over the past 10 years, agricultural operations have decreased dramatically due to economic conditions and development pressures:

• Between 1990 and 2000, Washtenaw County has lost 30,145 acres, or an average of 1.4 percent of its total farmland per year. The total farmland acreage for Washtenaw County in 2000 was 191,145 acres. Between 1987 and 1997 (latest agricultural census available), the number of active farms has also been decreasing (Figure 4-3). By the year 2020, it is projected that Washtenaw County will lose approximately 51,145 acres of farmland if the current annual rate of loss continues. In looking at the locations where agricultural lands have been converted to other uses, conversion is not only occurring in the urban and suburban fringe areas, but also throughout the County.
• Between 1987 and 1997, when adjusting figures to 2002 dollars, the market value of agricultural products sold in Washtenaw County decreased from $75.5 million to $63.3 million, a 16 percent decrease.