Community and Economic Development -- BRAG (Bear River Association of Governments)

Main Office:
170 North Main
Logan, Utah 84321
(435) 752-7242

AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION

~ COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ~

CDBG
Agricultural Preservation
Bear River Heritage Area
Planning Assistance
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Business Services/Financing
Demographics

Working to preserve the Agricultural Heritage of Cache County

Each year, Cache County loses 600 acres of valuable farmland that with better planning, foresight, and community action could be preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Efforts are now under way to develop a comprehensive program that will preserve agricultural land through making the county’s current zoning more agriculture friendly, purchasing development rights, transferring development rights, strengthening Agricultural Protection Areas, and improving farm profitability.

In February 2002, the Cache County Council appointed a 15-member advisory board to develop programs consistent with the implementation policies of the Countywide Comprehensive Plan. These policies address the need for protecting prime and statewide significant farmlands by limiting development on these lands, and enhancing the economic viability of Cache County’s agricultural economy.

The Agriculture Advisory Board has been meeting monthly to become educated on the importance of agriculture in Cache County and the tools that are available for protecting farmland.

What is Being Done to Preserve Cache Valley Farmland?

The Agricultural Advisory Board is broad-based with representation from farming, banking, real estate, consumers, food processing, farm-related industries, professional and citizen planners, mayor’s association, business, and Utah State University. Mostly public sector ex-officio members from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USU, Farm Serice Agency, Bear River Resource Conservation &Development, Farm Bureau, Water Quality Advisory Board, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and Division of Wildlife Resources also meet with the Agriculture Advisory Board to provide technical assistance and local expertise.

The Sonoran Institute and American Farmland Trust have been contracted to guide us in developing our strategy through helping us better understand our local issues, what programs have worked in the Intermountain West and the country, and how to tailor those programs to fit our physical, political and social climate.

The Agriculture Advisory Board is working with the Cache County Planning Commission to help them develop ordinances that favor agriculture over non-agricultural uses, that minimize conflicts between urban and agriculture, and guide development away from the most productive farmland. The current ordinance has a minimum lot size of one half acre. Decreasing densities will protect ground water from septic tank pollution and create less impact on farmland.

The board is also working on developing a funding source and administrative program for purchasing development rights. Purchase of development rights (PDR) programs involve the purchase of only development rights, leaving the land in private ownership. When the development rights to a farm or ranch are sold, the property owner receives payment equal to the difference between the full market value of the land (if the land were to be purchased for development) and its value if the land is restricted for agricultural use. A conservation easement is placed on the property that details the terms of the development restrictions.

Property owner participation in PDR programs is entirely voluntary. Private land stays in private ownership. Property owners retain the right to occupy and make economic use of the land. The land remains protected despite future changes in political leadership.

The 2002 Farm Bill, through the Farm and Ranch Protection Progam, increased dramatically the funds available for purchasing development rights. However, local funds are needed to provide a 25 % match before a farmer can participate in the program. There is a critical need for developing a local PDR program to leverage federal monies.

Three purchase of development rights transactions have been completed in the past two years in Cache County and one will be completed soon. These successes have generated a dramatic increase in public awareness as well as landowner interest in conservation easements.

PDR is one very important tool, but it must be complemented by other programs to effectively curb the conversion of farmland. Thus the need for bettering the current agricultural zoning, exploring Transferring Development Rights, informing the public of the benefits of local agriculture and how crucial it is to support local farmers, and developing added-value opportunities for farmers are all critical to preserving our farmland.

How Important is Agriculture to Cache County's Economy?

The value of agriculture goes beyond the pastoral landscapes that define Cache Valley’s beauty. Direct sales of farm products account for $117 million annually. Agriculture including food processing comprises 29% of the county’s gross output (more than any other Cache industry) and has the highest multiplier of any industry in Cache County. For every dollar generated from agriculture and food processing an additional $1.83 is generated in the economy.

Agricultural Land Preservation Toolbox for Cache County

Cache County Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) (No Images 1.6 MB)

Cache County Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) (With Images 3.7 MB)

Cache County Ag Advisory Board Strategic Plan

Cache County Agricultural Preservation Public Opinion Survey Results

Complete Cache County Agriculture Profile Report

Useful Links:

Cache County's Website

American Farmland Trust

Trust for Public Land

The Nature Conservancy

Utah Open Lands