Staff Advise Local Governments on Farmland Protection

Success in farmland protection is the result of many factors, one of which is local towns and policy makers supporting farmland protection in their communities by thoughtful planning.

Land Conservationist Matt Halladay presented at this year’s Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council’s local government workshop on “Laying the Groundwork for Farmland Protection: What Local Governments Need to Know.” Over 60 elected officials attended the session held at Batavia Downs.

Measuring the success of farmland protection is not simply about protecting every acre. It is about prioritizing the most productive farmland that has potential of converting to non-agricultural uses. Thinking bigger picture about a community’s needs and planning on where high quality farmland soils should be permanently protected is a critical step.

As New York continues to lose acres through landscape fragmentation and generational attrition, supporting towns to consider their future helps ensure our farmland protection efforts match community needs and protects the most critical farmland.