that supports agricultural business development . Carlberg added , “ I wish there could be a more active push to preserve farmland ,” especially large parcels which provide flexibility for farm businesses to develop as they grow .
Both Carlberg and Wisch mentioned the difference in the costs of community services on developed land versus farmland . Indeed , in more than 150 costs of community services ( COCS ) studies conducted across the nation since the mid-1980s , American Farmland Trust has found that any apparent gain in tax revenue from residential development was lost when the cost of delivering necessary public services — from roads , sewers , and parking lots to new and expanded schools , sidewalks , traffic lights , and emergency services — was considered . For each dollar of revenue raised by land use type , the median cost to provide services to working and open land ( including farmland ) was $ 0.37 . For residential areas , the median cost was $ 1.16 , indicating a net loss . The six studies conducted in Virginia during this timeframe revealed even greater fiscal soundness for farmland : for each dollar brought in by working lands , the median expense was $ 0.29 , whereas for residential land uses , the median expense was $ 1.21 .
In Frederick County , Maryland , immediately across the Potomac River , AFT found that “ keeping land in agriculture helps maintain financial balance in rural and urban-edge communities . Working land also can be appreciated for other economic contributions . As well as feeding us , agriculture provides jobs and supports other local businesses . Common estimates place the multiplier effect of local agriculture at $ 3 to $ 5 ( e . g ., for every dollar received from farmers for selling agricultural goods and services , $ 3 to $ 5 is earned by local businesses and processors serving farmers and their customers ). Farmland also provides benefits that are harder to quantify , such as wildlife habitat , cultural heritage , and tourist opportunities .”
Recent research also suggests that protecting farmland can be a way for communities to avoid greenhouse gas emissions , an important consideration for localities with ambitious climate goals . Loudoun is one of many Virginia counties devoting tax dollars to developing documented plans to address climate change . Many farmers wonder , says Wisch , why they aren ’ t a bigger part of these climate discussions .
Access to land is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to support for business diversification on Loudoun ’ s farms . Many of Loudoun ’ s zoning regulations reference the location and size of a parcel . Agritourism is , and has been , a growing business opportunity for many farms , but farmers must navigate their local zoning . Wisch , who started offering farm dinners and tours at Long Stone Farm in 2019 , provides the public opportunities to engage with the farm and its product — including beef , pork , lamb and poultry . These events have run up against ordinances that require farm-based agritourism events to end at 6:00 PM , the hottest part of the day in the summer months . Carlberg and her husband , Casey Gustowarow , have a long-term dream for a farm-based restaurant which has also encountered challenges from county zoning , which requires a minimum of 26 acres for this type of operation , and a minimum of 5 acres for any farm-based tourism . Farm Bureau president Earman contrasts this with the county ’ s approach to non-agri-
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