agriculture , especially when zoning envisions areas for agricultural production rather than only outlining traditional residential , commercial , and industrial growth areas . But unlike traditional land use plans , “ plans for agriculture ” take this proactive work several steps further .
What types of infrastructure are needed to help farmers and local food systems thrive , and how might local leaders develop or recruit this infrastructure ? What sorts of new or existing programs can the county invest in to protect irreplaceable farmland while also helping farmers enhance their economic viability ? How does the county fiscally account for the invaluable services provided and products grown by local farmers ? Which partnerships are needed to bring about progress ? How can farmers ’ voices be uplifted and prioritized ? What sorts of public awareness and education campaigns are needed to help citizens understand just how vital Loudoun ’ s farmers and farmland are to the community ’ s success ?
These questions are the kind that a strong plan for agriculture can meaningfully answer . In some ways , they all lead to this ultimate question : Does Loudoun County want a vibrant future for agriculture ?
“ I love farming , and I love raising my kids on the farm ,” Wisch said . “ We hope to buy more land and expand our farm again one day . We just hope there is land available to do that near us when the time is right . The Loudoun County farming community has changed from when my husband Justin and I were little , but everyone farming in the county is doing it because they love it and I love being a part of this special club of crazy farmers .”
Love is a powerful virtue , and it can act as an agricultural , environmental , and economic force . With an ambitious , achievable , and holistic plan , Loudoun County can harness that love and passion to usher in a bright and productive future .
Amanda Cather is the Mid-Atlantic Senior Program Manager at American Farmland Trust ( AFT ) and a pastured livestock farmer at Plow and Stars Farm in Poolesville , Maryland . Brooks Lamb is the Land Protection & Access Specialist at AFT and author of Love for the Land : Lessons from Farmers Who Persist in Place . He currently lives in Memphis , Tennessee . Both Amanda and Brooks work actively in Virginia . You can learn more about AFT ’ s VA work at : farmland . org / project / regenerate-virginia .
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