Mark Imerman’s Post

Important to maintaining a sustained and resilient food system regionally!!

At this week's Board of Commissioners meeting, we approved a resolution allocating approximately $2 million for ag preservation efforts in Lancaster County. These funds are then provided as a match for state ag preserve funds, which last year brought in an additional $2.8 million of ag preservation funds, which we expect to receive about the same this year. Included in the aforementioned funding that we allocate is a $250,000 Challenge Grant to the Lancaster Farmland Trust. This year will mark the 20th year of providing this grant. The Trust uses these funds to attract private funds to match or exceed the County's Grant. Last year the Trust used the Grant to leverage an additional $1.4 million in funds and land value to preserve 6 farms on 353 acres. Meanwhile, the County Ag Preserve Board preserved preserved 20 farms on 1,535 acres. We as a community are committed to protecting some of the best farmland in the world here in Lancaster County. This is shown in the public-private partnership, it shows in the contributions made by Lancastrians, it shows in the land that land owners / farmers preserve and their contribution of value. And it shows in the fact that we continue to be the #1 county in the nation in ag preservation and a leading county in the Commonwealth and nation in ag production.

More farmland is now hitting the market as a large percentage of America’s farmland is owned by people aged 75 or older, and experts say millions of acres will change hands, with investors being the main recipients. Due to increasing numbers of extended families now separated in remote locations, families are not gathering at these iconic ranches like they used to. https://trib.al/IRRmM1E

Calling all Washingtonians: Are you concerned about farmland loss in your community? Many farmers and ranchers are seeing urban sprawl threaten their farms and the local food system; at the same time, development pressure is increasing the cost of land, creating barriers for the next generation of farmers. In 2022, American Farmland Trust mapped urban and low-density residential development from 2001 to 2016. In that time, Washington lost nearly 98,000 acres of farmland. By 2040, we stand to lose another 192,000 more acres of our best farmland if we do not change this pattern.     The primary mechanism to protect farmland in Washington is the Growth Management Act (GMA). Through comprehensive plans, local elected officials balance many priorities to manage population growth, including farmland protection. But the success of the GMA relies on active communities that advocate for the things we want to protect. Counties across western Washington are currently updating their comprehensive plans, and the rest will follow in the coming years.    Join my colleagues Dani Madrone and Addie Candib for a virtual training on February 8th from 10-11:30 am Pacific Time. Dani and Addie will teach farmers and farmland enthusiasts how to influence change in their communities through upcoming comprehensive plan updates. Participants will learn how to engage in county planning, develop talking points to share stories that inspire change, elevate the urgency of farmland protection, and offer tangible solutions to local policymakers.     Local Advocacy 101: Protecting Farmland in Washington  Register at https://lnkd.in/gHRr6jC3   #NoFarmsNoFood

I know Brooks Lamb, the author this article, and we work together in preserving working family farms. He talks about his family farm in middle Tennessee, but here in the eastern part of our state we are going through the same issues. If you want to know more about how you can keep local east TN farmland productive please reach out to me.

Farm is a best place for new social organizations and first & last step in the new supply chain #organicmatter of course

More farmland is now hitting the market as a large percentage of America’s farmland is owned by people aged 75 or older, and experts say millions of acres will change hands, with investors being the main recipients. Due to increasing numbers of extended families now separated in remote locations, families are not gathering at these iconic ranches like they used to. https://trib.al/fq7mFes

Starting the family conversation about farm transition can be hard, but necessary. The average age of farmers in Oregon is around 60 and a low percentage have a succession plans in place. The risk of farm and ranch land being taken out of production, sold, and fragmented and/or developed is higher than ever. When thinking about farm transition, consider: In a perfect world, what would you like to see happen? What is your why? What could happen if you do nothing?

#Urbanagriculture activates the community desire for food sovereignty. Our #RootedHorizons report highlights the importance of urban agriculture and how its growth can address #foodinsecurity in Los Angeles County.    Not only is urban agriculture a unique way to create on-site community engagement opportunities and takes creative land use into account, but it’s also well-positioned in Los Angeles by prioritizing our local communities to address the lack of food access.  Larta Institute and the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) have worked together to explore the agricultural landscape, examining existing assets and identifying the needs in the urban agricultural network that could be met by urban and philanthropic investments.  Learn about the different types of urban agriculture that exist through our Rooted Horizons report and the ways we, as a community, can support food justice and equity.    Read the full report, generously funded by California Community Foundation: larta.org/rooted-horizons 🌱 🌾    #urbanagriculture #gardens #farming 

We empower our farmers every year, guiding them from cultivating a single piece of land to expanding their operations to larger hectares. What more could they ask for than to witness their families and farms thrive year after year? When you empower the farmers, you feed the nation. #FarmersOfHope #farmonwheels #AgricultureInAction