HUDSONVILLE, Mich. — As farmers across West Michigan continue to struggle with drought, and no new federal farm bill, Ottawa County is making an effort to purchase and preserve farmland in the county.

“Understanding where food comes from and supporting those farmers wherever you can. And then at the county level, we try to advocate for good policy,” says Economic Development Coordinator for Ottawa County Becky Huttanga. “We have to purchase the right to develop property in order to permanently protect it. So, this fundraiser helps us do that.”

The fundraiser is the annual ‘Farms are the Tapas’ event at the Red Shed near Hudsonville.

Gina Mitchell is a West Michigan native who competed this year in the event’s chef's competition, where all chefs make small dishes using all locally grown

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