Jan 26, 2008 2 min read

The Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development is announcing the agricultural and preservation application period for this year. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, Feb. 14, and any interested landowner is asked to apply now.

Arthur J. Cappella, chief community development specialist, said eligibility for participating in the agricultural land preservation program is location in an agricultural security area.

An agricultural security area may include non-adjacent farmland parcels of at least 10 acres.

However, a 50-acre minimum is required for a conservation easement.

Cappella said agriculture is the leading industry in the state as well as Fayette County. He said preserving farmland is a wise investment for Fayette County and its future food production and green space preservation.

“Farmland preservation gives a landowner an opportunity to permanently conserve agricultural production of the land, It is a method by which we can maintain the traditions and culture of the farming industry as well as to enhance Fayette County’s community appearance by establishing a common balance between economic development and agriculture industry,” Cappella said.

Cappella said a misconception about agricultural land preservation is that it prevents development.

However, he said it allows for smart development and smart growth.

“An important philosophy to have and strive to maintain is one that minimizes urban sprawl and puts investment where you have infrastructure, so you do not have to go out and build new sewer systems, cut down trees and chew up farms. Agricultural land preservation helps in controlling sprawl,” Cappella said.