Description
A type of open space plan that identifies prime agricultural land and productive farms in order to protect and promote agricultural activity.
Strengths
By protecting prime agricultural soils and farmland on the urban fringe or in rural areas, communities can guide growth to areas that are already developed and thus promote their food security and the maintenance of their economic base.
Weaknesses
Protecting some agricultural activities (hobby farms, e.g.) can result in very large lot (5-acre and above) sprawl without protecting farms of sufficient size or capital to be able to employ efficient and sustainable food, livestock and crop production and harvesting processes.
Examples
Example 1: Ohio
Description: Ohio Balanced Growth Program
Photo Credit: National Geographic