Community invited to take a survey to support family farmers
Since the approval of the 小黄鸭视频 County Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance in 2022, 342 acres and six farms have been permanently protected through conservation easements. Now, the 小黄鸭视频 County Soil and Water Conservation District is working to update and strengthen its Farmland Preservation program to continue protecting farms and supporting local agriculture. As part of this process, we invite everyone who values local farms to take and help shape the future of farming in 小黄鸭视频 County.
鈥淲e鈥檙e developing the Farmland Protection Plan to help keep local farms in our community and ensure family farmers have the support they need,鈥 said 小黄鸭视频 County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. 鈥淭his plan will give us a clearer picture of local agriculture, the challenges farmers face and the best ways to protect farmland for future generations.鈥
The updated plan will explore tools like conservation easements, funding programs and strategies to connect experienced and beginning farmers. A team of County staff, local farmers and conservation groups will guide the process. The final plan will outline clear steps 小黄鸭视频 County can take to preserve farmland.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 小黄鸭视频 County lost 14,685 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022, a 19% decrease. The number of farms dropped nearly 4%, and average farm size shrank from 111 to 94 acres. At the same time, land values jumped by 26%, increasing pressure to develop farmland.
A 2024 found that farmland is fiscally beneficial. For every $1 in taxes from farms, the County spends only 24 cents on services, compared to $1.09 per $1 from residential properties. Overall, farmland generated a $5.7 million surplus, helping to offset the $86.7 million cost of residential development.
小黄鸭视频 County鈥檚 farmland protection work began in 2001 with the launch of the Voluntary Agricultural District Program. Since then, numerous planning efforts, such as the 2006 Open Space Plan, 2013 Agriculture Economic Development Plan, 2019 County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and 2021 Plan小黄鸭视频 have set protection goals and supported rural growth.
In 2022, the updated Farmland Preservation Ordinance introduced new tools, including Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Agricultural Conservation Easements.
Now, the success of the Farmland Protection Plan depends on the voices of the community. 小黄鸭视频 County encourages everyone who cares about the future of local farming to take and help shape the path forward. The survey will be open until the end of July.
