Bill’s response to Farmland Protection Project request was based upon these three questions which were sent by letter on October 4, 2012. The complete letter follows the response.
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A few years ago many county residents feared that Boone County was becoming a massive subdivision with few if any working farms. The “Great Recession” changed many of our views. The major concerns today are: the number of empty and foreclosed homes in the towns and rural subdivisions; the falling real estate values and tax base; and JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.
Now is a very opportune time to review farmland protection programs and possibly alter them to today’s realities. Unlike residential real estate, farm land has increased in value over the last five years. That may make some farmland protection programs prohibitively expensive. National, state, county and municipal budgets are under heavy stress; subsequently government funds for farmland protection are subject to possible cuts.
Farm land protection is important to Boone County because Boone County will consist primarily of farmland for the next twenty to thirty years. During that time government and the county’s farmers must construct innovative plans to maintain productive farm land for the generations yet unborn.
Abiding closely to zoning ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan is the county’s primary tool. Industrial development as well as new residential subdivisions should be confined to the designated areas. This must be done without partiality.
There appears to be very few farms applying for the Agricultural Conservation Easement. Farmers often do so based upon their personal beliefs and generosity. Their gifts should be told in the local news media. Perhaps a plaque describing their donation should be placed at a prominent public place such as the statue at the fairgrounds.
The zoning ordinance granting a home site in exchange for agricultural easement appears to have been used just once. Perhaps the ordinance needs more publicity and perhaps to be revised. A sunset clause or a mandated county board review of the ordinance may encourage farmers and investors to apply for this zoning change now.
I trust that I have answered your three questions. My answers are very different from my thoughts of two or three years ago. In my view the “Great Recession” has changed the course of economic development for some time to come. Unfortunately I see no way for the county to increase funding for farmland protection in the next several years based upon the severity of county finances. However it should not change our furor to responsibly protect America’s and Boone County’s farmland. I look forward to reading all the candidates thoughts on this important topic.
BILL PYSSON
District One Candidate
Boone County Board
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