The American Farmland Trust has recently launched the Planning for Agriculture in Virginia Toolkit, a practical resource created to help communities protect farmland, support farm economies, and plan for growth that sustains agriculture and the environment. While agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, it faces many challenges.
In Virginia, more than 340,000 acres of farmland have been converted to development between 2001 and 2016. Current projections state that as much as 800,000 acres of farmland could be lost by 2040 if trends continue. Despite these challenges, communities can take action to cultivate a sustainable and resilient future for agriculture, one that holistically values all that farming offers to the Commonwealth.
The Toolkit includes a series of fact sheets and success stories from across the commonwealth, supported by checklists, data and resources to help communities envision and plan a future for their farms and farmland. Addressing issues from solar siting to farm-to-school programs, investing in agricultural infrastructure, and conservation adoption.
VACo staff had the honor to help guide this project and believe this resource will be incredibly valuable for planners, elected officials and others across Virginia.
VACo wants to thank the wonderful staff at the American Farmland Trust and other stakeholders who helped put this document together.
VACo Staff: James Hutzler