Are Local Agriculture Easement Programs Protecting Farmland?
The first national assessment of local agricultural easement programs uncovers practices and approaches that have helped communities protect farm and ranch land across America. AFT’s newly released and final report of the study evaluates how effective 46 programs in 15 states are at protecting farmland from urban development. Most of these programs have impressively protected many acres of farmland, which continue to be farmed despite later purchase by non-farmers, in many cases. Take Action Today for More Federal Funding to Protect Agriculture in 2007 Agricultural District Programs Provide Perks for Farmers and the Public Agricultural landowners in Ohio and North Carolina are enjoying new benefits and protections under expanded agricultural district programs. Agricultural district programs allow farmers to form special areas where commercial agriculture is encouraged and protected. Enrollment is voluntary. In exchange for participation, farmers receive a package of incentives that var
