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Support the growth and vitality of working farms and managed forests; and sustainably manage sand and gravel extraction operations. and 3 more... less...

Measure the successful implementation of the Northwest Regional Plan, which contains six guiding principles for the future of the region: Coordinate and leverage state, local and federal policies and investments; Provide more transportation choices; Promote equitable, affordable housing; Enhance economic competitiveness; Support existing communities; Value communities and neighborhoods.

Improve the health of citizens and businesses by supporting the region’s unique geography and landscape.

Ensure the region continues to be characterized by compact villages and growth centers separated by rural countryside and the working landscape.

Average Farm Size-Northwest Region

Current Value

418 acres

2017

Definition

Line Bar Comparison

Why Is This Important?

The trend of consolidating small and medium dairy farms has been consistent and is a major factor affecting the working landscape in the region. Competition is high and requires large scale production to be successful in shipping conventional fluid milk. In response, there is growth in diversified and value adding farming in both counties. For example, the amount of land used for harvesting vegetables increased from 126 acres to 266 acres from 2012 to 2017. Diversification and value-added production are key strategies for small and medium producers to stake out a place in the market.

What Works

There are many strategies that municipalities can implement to strengthen agriculture and maintain the number of small and medium farms in the region. This includes incorporating pro-agriculture land use policies in town plans and bylaws, such as encouraging accessory on-farm businesses, encouraging the conservation of farmland through the purchase of development rights or other means, supporting programs that assist new farmers succeed, whether though land access, business planning or other training, and working with farmers and local groups to promote diversified agriculture, value added production and strengthening the regional food system.

Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.

Scorecard Container Measure Action Actual Value Target Value Tag S A m/d/yy m/d/yyyy