Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 60

cleared and planted with cash crops such as corn and tobacco. As Louisville grew in size, more
and more acreage in the surrounding area was used for agriculture. This trend has been
reversed in recent decades as the amount of agricultural land in Louisville has dramatically
decreased due to urban and suburban development.
The remaining agricultural lands are an important reminder of Louisville’s rural heritage,
provide productive and economic benefits, and are a visual resource for the community (See
Figure IV.C.1: Farmlands in Jefferson County). In 1996, the Jefferson County Division of Planning
and Development Services (DPDS) completed an inventory of farmland in Jefferson County. At
that time, Louisville’s remaining farmland was concentrated in the Floyds Fork Drain age Area
with a significant amount also found in the Goose Creek and Harrods Creek watersheds to the
north. Although the rich soils of the Ohio River Valley historically supported extensive farmland
(a generalized land use map derived from 1983 U.S.G.S. data indicates that agriculture was the
predominant use in the lower segment of the corridor from Riverport to the Hardin County line)
few active farms remain in the valley today. As growth pressures continue, maintaining a viable
agricultural base in the county will become increasingly difficult due to increased land values
and problems of incompatibility with adjacent residential development.
Several existing programs are available to assist farmers in maintaining farmland. Under
Kentucky’s Agricultural District Act, counties can enact agricultural districts within which
participating farmers are eligible for lower property value assessments and other benefits. In
2015 there were six certified districts with 25 participating landowners and a total of 1,095 acres
within Louisville’s boundaries. This number decreased by 674 acres since 1994. Agricultural
Districts are not permanent and landowners may withdraw from the program for any purpose
including developing their property¹⁰. Nearly all farmers with 10 acres or more of land take
advantage of a state law allowing for preferential tax assessment of farmland. Assessment of
property as farmland lowers its value, resulting in a lower property tax.
A study prepared by Louisville Metro Parks in 2003 noted that Louisville could become
the center of a thriving local food economy that also helps create a strong urban core.
Recommendations included supporting and growing farmers markets, community-supported
agriculture, farm-to-table partnerships, food security, health and fitness awareness, and agri-
tourism. Many of these efforts have gained considerable traction and been joined by others
such as the Urban Bourbon Trail to help Louisville position itself as a hub for an urban-rural
partnership of city residents with farmers.
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