Chapter 2: Getting to 2030: Goals and Indicators
Goal 5: Agricultural lands and soils will be available, affordable, and conserved for future generations of farmers and to meet the needs of Vermont’s food system.
Development pressures have consistently and historically decreased farmland across the country. Conserving the agricultural landscape of Vermont and the region and ensuring affordable access to farmland are key components to the long-term sustainability of Vermont and New England's food system. What does the data show? Total farmland in New England has decreased 9.1% (421,630 acres) from 1982 to 2012. Vermont has lost the most farmland in New England during that timeframe: 322,728 acres (a 20.5% decrease). From 1997 to 2012, New England experienced a slight rebound with a 1.7% (69,888) increase in farmland. However, Vermont experienced a 4.8% (63,602 acres) decrease during this period.
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