Farmland Preservation

VFBF Position

We support state funding and promotion of local option farmland preservation programs which allows compensation to owners of such land, and guides growth to urbanizing areas such as: state and/or localities purchasing development rights, transferring development rights, leasing development rights, holding or co-holding perpetual conservation easements, tax credits or other concepts.

Background

Across the state, “farmland preservation” has become a prevalent topic among farmers, citizen groups, local governments, and state officials. Preservation of farmland is beneficial to individual citizens because agricultural lands provide wildlife habitats, added flood protection, and erosion control. Likewise, the aesthetic amenities of agriculture are a primary attraction for tourists and a constant advantage for residents in rural areas. Agriculture provides a significant benefit to local governments simply because open space, crops, and livestock do not require many expenditures for government services. Agriculture also has an important position in the local and state economies. Farmers do business with local retailers and service providers, and provide a local supply of safe and healthy agricultural products. Because agriculture provides many economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits to the general public, the preservation of agriculture in Virginia is an invaluable goal.

Agriculture in Virginia is quite diverse: by region, by commodity, by demography. To maintain the viability of our agriculture industry, Virginia needs to make a commitment to agriculture and provide a variety of options for preserving the land and promoting the industry now and in the future. 

The first step in preserving farms in Virginia is ensuring that the land and farmers are available to produce foods and fibers in the future. In order to effectively preserve agricultural lands, programs should be established which include recognizing the impact of development and also the benefit of farmland to a community. Impact fees can enhance how a community is developed and also help pay for the demands of development. Purchase of development rights programs, which have been established, are ways to monetarily incentivize a community and landowner to keep farmland. In addition, the program must be developed considering the tax implications to landowners.

The land preservation tax credit program needs to realize the importance of the tax benefits to the farmer and remain a viable program. Any such programs must include direct representation of farmers both in the development and oversight of the program.

The 2007 General Assembly appropriated $4.3 million over two years for the state portion of a state/local matching Purchase of Development Rights Program. This funding allows the state to be a player in the preservation of farmland at the local level. The funding the General Assembly appropriated incentivized five localities to adopt PDR Programs. Virginia now has 20 localities that have made the commitment to farmland preservation by creating and funding Purchase of Development Rights Programs. Consistent funding is needed from the General Assembly to ensure that localities will have matching funds for farmland preservation so Virginians will have land to farm for food, preserve for water quality, and enjoy for recreational uses. 

Reasons for Position

1. The preservation of farmland in Virginia should focus on preserving the business and future vitality of agriculture.
   
   
2. The diversity of agriculture across the state necessitates multiple options and flexibility within a farm preservation initiative.
   
   
3. To adequately and effectively meet the needs of Virginia’s farmers, any farm preservation program should involve direct representation of farmers in the development and oversight of the program.
   
   
4. Along with preservation of the land and enhancing current market situations, it is important that future agricultural producers have the opportunity to purchase land or begin farming affordably.