2.6 Agricultural land preservation

Agricultural land preservation is a critical aspect of sustainable urban planning. It protects valuable farmland, supports local food systems, and maintains the economic, environmental, and social benefits of agriculture. This approach helps balance urban growth with the need to keep productive farmland for future generations.

Preserving farmland faces challenges like urban sprawl, aging farmer populations, and economic pressures on small farms. Strategies to address these issues include zoning regulations, financial incentives, and conservation easements. Successful preservation requires collaboration among farmers, local governments, land trusts, and community organizations.

Benefits of agricultural land preservation

• Agricultural land preservation is crucial for sustainable urban planning as it protects valuable farmland, supports local food systems, and maintains the economic, environmental, and social benefits of agriculture
• Preserving agricultural land helps to balance urban growth with the need to maintain productive farmland and rural landscapes for future generations

Economic benefits for farmers

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• Preserving agricultural land helps to maintain a viable agricultural economy by providing farmers with long-term security and stability in their land base
• Agricultural land preservation programs, such as PDR and TDR, provide farmers with financial incentives to keep their land in agriculture, which can help to offset the economic pressures of development
• Protecting farmland can help to maintain local food systems and support the development of value-added agricultural products, which can provide additional income streams for farmers (agritourism, farm-to-table restaurants)
• Preserving agricultural land can help to maintain the agricultural infrastructure and support services that are necessary for a thriving agricultural economy (farm supply stores, processing facilities)

Environmental benefits of farmland

• Agricultural land provides important ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and wildlife habitat
• Preserving farmland can help to protect important natural resources, such as prime agricultural soils, wetlands, and wildlife corridors
• Maintaining agricultural land can help to reduce the environmental impacts of urban sprawl, such as increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and loss of open space
• Agricultural land can also serve as a buffer between urban development and sensitive environmental areas, such as rivers and wetlands

Social benefits in rural communities

• Preserving agricultural land can help to maintain the rural character and sense of place that is important to many rural communities
• Agricultural land preservation can help to support the social and cultural traditions that are associated with farming and rural life (county fairs, farmers markets)
• Protecting farmland can help to maintain the local food systems that are important for food security and community resilience
• Agricultural land preservation can also provide opportunities for public access and recreation, such as hiking trails, bike paths, and scenic byways

Threats to agricultural land

• Agricultural land is under increasing pressure from urban development, particularly in rapidly growing metropolitan areas where the demand for housing and commercial development is high
• The loss of agricultural land can have significant economic, environmental, and social impacts, including the loss of local food production, increased environmental degradation, and the decline of rural communities

Urban sprawl and development pressure

• Urban sprawl, or the uncontrolled expansion of urban development into rural areas, is a major threat to agricultural land
• As cities and suburbs continue to grow, there is increasing pressure to convert agricultural land to residential, commercial, and industrial uses
• The high value of land for development can make it difficult for farmers to resist the economic pressures to sell their land for non-agricultural uses
• The fragmentation of agricultural land by urban development can also make it more difficult for farmers to maintain viable agricultural operations

Aging farmer population and succession

• The average age of farmers in the United States is increasing, with many farmers nearing retirement age
• As older farmers retire, there is often a lack of younger farmers to take over the operation of the farm, which can lead to the sale of the land for non-agricultural uses
• The high cost of entry into farming, including the cost of land, equipment, and infrastructure, can make it difficult for younger farmers to get started in agriculture
• The lack of succession planning and the difficulty of transferring farmland to the next generation can also contribute to the loss of agricultural land

Economic challenges for small farms

• Small farms, which make up the majority of farms in the United States, often face significant economic challenges that can make it difficult to maintain viable agricultural operations
• The consolidation of agricultural production into larger, more industrialized operations can make it difficult for small farms to compete in the marketplace
• The high cost of inputs, such as fuel, fertilizer, and equipment, can also make it difficult for small farms to remain profitable
• The lack of access to markets and the difficulty of developing value-added products can also limit the economic viability of small farms

Strategies for agricultural land preservation

• There are a variety of strategies that can be used to preserve agricultural land, including land use regulations, financial incentives, and conservation easements
• Effective agricultural land preservation requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including farmers, local governments, land trusts, and community organizations

Agricultural zoning and land use regulations

• Agricultural zoning is a land use regulation that restricts the use of land to agricultural activities and limits the development of non-agricultural uses
• Agricultural zoning can help to protect farmland by preventing the conversion of agricultural land to other uses and maintaining the agricultural character of rural areas
• Minimum lot size requirements can also be used to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land and maintain viable agricultural operations
• Agricultural zoning can be combined with other land use regulations, such as urban growth boundaries and cluster zoning, to manage urban growth and protect agricultural land

Purchase of development rights (PDR) programs

• PDR programs are a financial incentive that allows farmers to sell the development rights to their land while retaining ownership and the right to continue farming
• PDR programs provide farmers with a financial return for the development value of their land, which can help to offset the economic pressures to sell the land for non-agricultural uses
• PDR programs are typically funded through a combination of public and private sources, including local and state governments, land trusts, and private foundations
• PDR programs can be targeted to specific areas or types of farmland, such as prime agricultural soils or farms that are under significant development pressure

Transfer of development rights (TDR) programs

• TDR programs are a market-based approach that allows landowners to transfer the development rights from one property to another
• In a TDR program, a landowner can sell the development rights from a property in a designated "sending area" (farmland) to a developer who can use those rights to increase the density of development in a designated "receiving area" (urban area)
• TDR programs can help to preserve agricultural land by directing development away from farmland and into areas that are more appropriate for growth
• TDR programs can also provide a financial incentive for farmers to preserve their land, as they can receive payment for the development rights that are transferred

Agricultural conservation easements

• Agricultural conservation easements are a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently restricts the use of the land to agricultural activities
• Conservation easements are typically voluntary and are designed to protect the agricultural and conservation values of the land in perpetuity
• Conservation easements can be donated or sold by the landowner, and can provide tax benefits and financial incentives for preserving the land
• Conservation easements can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of the landowner and can allow for certain types of development, such as the construction of agricultural buildings or the development of agritourism activities

Right-to-farm laws and policies

• Right-to-farm laws are designed to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits and other legal challenges that may arise from the normal operations of a farm
• Right-to-farm laws typically provide legal protections for farmers who are using generally accepted agricultural practices and are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Right-to-farm policies can also include provisions that require disclosure of agricultural activities to potential buyers of nearby properties and that limit the ability of local governments to restrict agricultural activities
• Right-to-farm laws and policies can help to support the economic viability of farming and reduce the potential for conflicts between farmers and non-farm neighbors

Agricultural districts and land banks

• Agricultural districts are designated areas where farming is the primary land use and where special protections and incentives are provided to support agricultural activities
• Agricultural districts can provide tax incentives, such as reduced property tax assessments, and can limit the ability of local governments to restrict agricultural activities
• Land banks are public or private entities that acquire, hold, and manage land for a variety of purposes, including agricultural preservation
• Land banks can help to preserve agricultural land by acquiring farmland that is at risk of development and holding it for future agricultural use or by facilitating the transfer of farmland to new farmers

Stakeholders in agricultural land preservation

• Agricultural land preservation involves a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, local governments, land trusts, community organizations, and state and federal agencies
• Effective agricultural land preservation requires collaboration and partnerships among these stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that are tailored to the specific needs and goals of each community

Role of local governments and planners

• Local governments play a critical role in agricultural land preservation through the development and implementation of land use regulations, zoning ordinances, and comprehensive plans
• Local planners can help to identify areas of high agricultural value and develop strategies to protect those areas from development pressure
• Local governments can also provide financial incentives for agricultural land preservation, such as reduced property tax assessments or grants for conservation easements
• Local governments can also support agricultural economic development through the creation of agricultural districts, the development of local food systems, and the promotion of agritourism

Importance of farmer engagement and support

• Farmers are the primary stewards of agricultural land and are critical partners in agricultural land preservation efforts
• Engaging farmers in the development and implementation of agricultural land preservation strategies can help to ensure that those strategies are effective and responsive to the needs of the farming community
• Providing support and resources to farmers, such as technical assistance, financial incentives, and market development, can help to maintain the economic viability of farming and reduce the pressure to sell land for development
• Farmers can also play a key role in educating the public about the importance of agricultural land preservation and building support for preservation efforts

Partnerships with land trusts and conservancies

• Land trusts and conservancies are non-profit organizations that work to protect natural and agricultural lands through the acquisition and stewardship of land and conservation easements
• Partnerships between land trusts and local governments can be an effective way to leverage resources and expertise for agricultural land preservation
• Land trusts can help to identify high-priority agricultural lands for protection and can work with farmers and landowners to develop conservation easements and other preservation strategies
• Land trusts can also play a key role in building public support for agricultural land preservation and in educating the public about the value of farmland and the importance of preservation efforts

Federal and state programs and funding

• Federal and state programs and funding can provide critical support for agricultural land preservation efforts at the local level
• The USDA's Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands
• The USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) provides funding for collaborative conservation projects that address regional conservation priorities, including agricultural land preservation
• State-level programs, such as the California Farmland Conservancy Program and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, provide funding and technical assistance for agricultural land preservation projects
• Federal and state programs can also provide funding for agricultural economic development, such as value-added processing and marketing, which can help to support the viability of farming and reduce the pressure to sell land for development

Balancing growth and agricultural preservation

• Balancing urban growth and agricultural preservation is a key challenge for sustainable urban planning
• Effective strategies for balancing growth and preservation require a comprehensive approach that includes land use regulations, financial incentives, and partnerships among diverse stakeholders

Smart growth principles and compact development

• Smart growth principles emphasize compact, mixed-use development that is designed to reduce sprawl and preserve natural and agricultural lands
• Compact development can help to accommodate population growth while minimizing the impact on agricultural lands by directing development to areas that are already served by infrastructure and services
• Mixed-use development can also help to create more vibrant and sustainable communities by providing a range of housing options, transportation choices, and amenities in close proximity to one another
• Smart growth principles can be implemented through a variety of land use regulations and incentives, such as zoning ordinances, density bonuses, and transit-oriented development

Infill development vs greenfield development

• Infill development refers to the development of vacant or underutilized land within existing urban areas, while greenfield development refers to the development of previously undeveloped land, often on the urban fringe
• Infill development can help to accommodate growth while minimizing the impact on agricultural lands by directing development to areas that are already served by infrastructure and services
• Greenfield development, on the other hand, can lead to the loss of agricultural land and can contribute to urban sprawl and the fragmentation of natural and agricultural landscapes
• Policies and incentives that encourage infill development, such as density bonuses and expedited permitting, can help to balance growth and preservation by directing development away from agricultural lands

Urban growth boundaries and service areas

• Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are a land use regulation that establishes a boundary around an urban area within which development is encouraged and outside of which development is restricted
• UGBs can help to manage urban growth and preserve agricultural land by directing development to areas that are already served by infrastructure and services and by limiting the expansion of urban areas into rural and agricultural areas
• Service areas are designated areas within which urban services, such as water and sewer, are provided and outside of which services are not extended
• Service areas can help to manage urban growth and preserve agricultural land by limiting the extension of urban services into rural and agricultural areas and by encouraging more compact and efficient development patterns

Protecting prime agricultural soils and resources

• Prime agricultural soils are those that have the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops
• Protecting prime agricultural soils is critical for maintaining the long-term productivity and viability of agriculture
• Strategies for protecting prime agricultural soils include land use regulations that limit development on prime soils, financial incentives for conservation easements and other preservation strategies, and policies that encourage the use of best management practices to maintain soil health and productivity
• Protecting other critical agricultural resources, such as water supplies and infrastructure, is also important for maintaining the viability of agriculture in the face of urban growth and development pressure

Measuring success in agricultural preservation

• Measuring the success of agricultural preservation efforts is important for evaluating the effectiveness of different strategies and for identifying areas for improvement
• Effective measurement requires the use of multiple indicators that capture the economic, environmental, and social impacts of agricultural preservation

Acres of farmland preserved vs developed

• One key indicator of success in agricultural preservation is the number of acres of farmland that are preserved through conservation easements, land use regulations, and other strategies
• Tracking the number of acres preserved over time can help to measure progress towards preservation goals and can help to identify areas where additional efforts may be needed
• Comparing the number of acres preserved to the number of acres developed can also provide insight into the effectiveness of preservation strategies in the face of development pressure

Economic viability of preserved farms

• Another important indicator of success is the economic viability of preserved farms
• Measuring the economic performance of preserved farms, including factors such as profitability, production levels, and market access, can help to evaluate the effectiveness of preservation strategies in supporting the long-term viability of agriculture
• Comparing the economic performance of preserved farms to non-preserved farms can also provide insight into the benefits of preservation for individual farmers and for the agricultural economy as a whole

Maintenance of rural character and landscapes

• Preserving the rural character and landscapes of agricultural areas is another important goal of agricultural preservation efforts
• Measuring the visual and aesthetic quality of preserved agricultural landscapes, as well as the presence of historic and cultural resources, can help to evaluate the effectiveness of preservation strategies in maintaining the unique character and identity of rural communities
• Community surveys and other qualitative methods can also be used to assess the social and cultural impacts of agricultural preservation efforts

Food security and local food systems

• Agricultural preservation can also play a key role in supporting local food systems and enhancing food security
• Measuring the availability and accessibility of locally-produced food, as well as the economic impact of local food systems, can help to evaluate the effectiveness of preservation strategies in supporting sustainable and resilient food systems
• Tracking the number of farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and other direct-to-consumer outlets can also provide insight into the strength and viability of local food systems in preserved agricultural areas