What Can We Do To Save Indiana's Farmland?
by David Ford, General Counsel', Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc.
During the decade from 1982 to 1992, Indiana lost more than 150,000 acres of farmland, an area about the size of Vanderburg County. Every day, more than 40 acres are converted from farmland to some other use. Should we be concerned? Is there anything we can do about it?Farmland is an important natural resource for a number of reasons. Obviously, we all depend on the inexpensive food supply that our farms provide. So does the rest of the world. Food continues to be one of America's greatest sources of income from exports.
Farmland provides the majority of the habitat for our Indiana wildlife and has played a large role in feeding many of the native birds and animals that remain so abundant.
Every day, more than 40 acres are converted from farmland to some other use.In rural areas, much more water is absorbed into the ground, and eventually filtered into our underground aquifers, than runs off into rivers and streams. In built up urban areas, on the other hand, most rain water lands on roofs or paved areas, not only remaining out of the subterranean water supply, but increasing drainage problems as well.
Additionally, the farm character and rural way of life in Indiana are part of what we all cherish and appreciate about our state.
Indiana Farm Bureau President Harry Pearson has appointed a statewide Farmland Preservation Task Force in an attempt to deal with the issue. A panel of farmers who have experience in land use planning and expert advisors is studying the extent of the problem in Indiana and what options are available.
The trend toward conversion of farmland to other uses seems to be accelerating. Historically, our population has gradually migrated from rural areas to the cities in search of better jobs. As farming became more efficient and fewer farmers were needed to feed the nation, more young people moved to town.
In recent years, however, the trend has reversed. Better transportation, changes in the nature of jobs, and living conditions in the cities, have all given people incentive to move to the suburbs or even locate in the country side. As a result, farmland is rapidly being converted to residential use. The number of acres consumed is far greater than population increases would explain. People just want to live in less congested areas. Prosperity and better living conditions are, of course, good news. But how do we keep the trend from eventually consuming too much irreplaceable farmland?
Farm Bureau is well known for its strong stance in favor of property rights. Citizens have a right to own, use, and sell real property. But as property changes hands from one generation to the next, farmers are often outbid by those who can gain higher profits through other uses.
How can we make sure that enough land remains in farming if Land prices force the land out of agricultural uses?
Some states have established Secure Farming Areas, where the landowners within the area have entered into a voluntary, but binding, agreement not to permit development of any of the land within the Secure Area for a given number of years.
Michigan has a law that gives property tax incentives to farmers in high development areas to keep their land in agriculture. If the land is converted, the higher taxes that would have been due far the last seven years must be paid.
Pennsylvania has employed the concept of Purchase of Development Rights. That means that the landowner grants a permanent easement restricting development in exchange for a payment equal to the loss of value. The payment may come from government agencies wanting to control the development or private individuals who wish to see the character of the land remain agricultural.
There are a few other important issues that you might not immediately recognize as affecting farmland preservation.
Local food processing companies, which add value to agricultural products, benefit farmers by assuring ready markets and better prices. Encouraging such companies to locate and stay in Indiana means a healthier farm economy and, therefore, more incentives to keep land in production.
Urban renewal (promoting better living conditions in the cities) helps to reduce the incentives for people to flee to home in the countryside.
The Indiana Farm Bureau Farmland Preservation Task Force has looked at all these issues and more. It will recommend that Farm Bureau begin to educate the public on just how critical the issue is becoming. It will also recommend that a government level task force be formed. Government officials, as well as real estate developers, planners, and other interested parties, could then join with the farming community in deciding how the problem should be addressed.
This is an issue that clearly must be addressed before too much damage is done. Things that grow on the land are renewable, but the land itself is not. We cannot grow more land. We will have to think about being careful with what we have.
The number of acres consumed is far greater than population increases would explain.This article is provided for the general information of the reader in regard to the subject matter covered. It is
not intended as a legal opinion on specific issues and should not be used to solve individual problems. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. David C. Ford is General Counsel for Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. and Chairman of the Indiana Farm Bureau Farmland Preservation Task Force.