Why Preserve Farmland?
There are many important reasons to preserve farmland in Washington State: • Farmland is a finite natural resource because areas with prime agricultural soils are limited. • Agriculture is an important part of Washington state’s economy – with a substantial market value; it provides jobs (not just on farms, but also in food processing and related industries), and it attracts tourists for its scenic character. • Growing food locally helps to meet sustainable development goals. • There are many intangible benefits associated with farmland, including aesthetic, open space, and sense of place. • Farming is part of the rural lifestyle and is a central part of Washington State’s heritage. • Farmland offers environmental benefits including wildlife habitat and the potential for groundwater recharge. • In terms of the cost of public services, farmlands, like other resource lands, more than pay for the community services they require. (See Skagit County study.) • Washington farmland is being co
