Preventing the Extinction of Small Farms Through Planning

Course Details

Agricultural producers on small farms constitute an underserved community with inherent vulnerabilities. This presentation aims to address their needs by encouraging the creation and adoption of equitable zoning and land use policies to provide unique tools small farms require to thrive. Through prioritizing the evolving needs of small farms, communities will be able to assist in the bolstering of local food systems and ensure access to nourishing, local agricultural products while restoring healthy ecosystems.

The Planning profession has a track record of championing underserved groups and Agricultural Producers operating small farms are attempting to survive the threats of bankruptcy and corporate takeover. Planners and land use policymakers may not know their policies are hindering this population. We present an opportunity for members of our planning profession to champion farm-focused policies and take substantial steps towards ensuring a more resilient and interconnected future where the sustainability of agricultural heritage and our communities are upheld.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the importance of our food systems and why the connection to small farms in America is essential to equitable land use practices and land use management.
• Recognize that outdated land use/zoning regulations are placing undo constraints on small farms and may discourage sustainable agricultural practices within communities.
• Inspire revisions to land use policies that allow small farms to pursue unique uses to support their economic viability.