Abstract:
How can productive farmland and the farming economy be preserved in Delaware County, Indiana? Currently Delaware County pursues farmland preservation through a comprehensive plan and an Agriculture Economic Development Initiative (AEDI) started by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Below are the main goals and objectives to preserve farmland in Delaware County as stated in the comprehensive plan and AEDI:Alleviate and prevent problems (including loss of agricultural land) caused by sprawl; Promote the preservation of higher-yield agricultural land;rovide incentives and rezonings to steer residential development to small town fringe areas, away from agricultural land; Promote agri-business as a method to help diversify the local economic base and provide new opportunities for the region's farming industry. This report builds upon these goals and objectives and includes the following components: A summary of relevant background information; A summary of what three other Midwestern counties are doing to protect farmland and an analysis of the programs' strengths and weaknesses; An assessment of the impacts of growth and development on farmland and the obstacles and pressures facing farmers; A broad set of policies and implementation strategies.In addition to building upon the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan and AEDI, this report addresses the following questions regarding the need for farmland preservation policies in Delaware County: 8 Where are the fastest growing areas in the county? Are some areas losing population?What areas are most important for Delaware County's agriculture? Are most of the population growth, development, and farmland conversion occurring in the same areas? Can we sustain future urban and suburban growth without impairing agriculture in Delaware County? What are appropriate public policies for long-term preservation of land for agriculture?