A Feasibility Study for Urban Edge Agricultural Parks - SAGE

Contemporary Models of Agricultural ParksResearch MethodsBay Area Economics (BAE), Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE), Agricultureand Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), and other team members, collectedinitial suggestions for various types of agricultural preservation models that havebeen used both domestically and internationally. These leads were expanded byfurther online research and review of published materials, resulting in the ModelSummaries (see Tables 1 and 2). In consultation with SAGE, four of the identifiedmodels were selected for further research, based on broad criteria and a desire tohighlight diverse approaches to the challenges and opportunities of the AgParkconcept. BAE then contacted each model’s lead sponsor, and conducted telephoneinterviews to obtain information.To complement this work and expand the understanding of potential fundingsources, BAE also conducted online research and telephone interviews to identifyadditional funding opportunities.AgPark ModelsAppendix A.1 presents a broad inventoryof potential models, which reflect variouscomponents of the AgPark concept.These models are grouped by theme:preservation of farmlands on the urbanedge, increased public access to andeducation about food production, andassistance to limited resource farmers.Each example offers interesting aspectsthat could be combined in the AgParkconcept to support these themes.Models of Agricultural Education CentersAppendix A. 2 presents eight additional models that are examples of agriculturaleducation centers, primarily in California. Agricultural Education Centers are farmand natural reserve areas offering interpretive programming in order to educate thegeneral public and student groups about agricultural history, current trends, andthe agrarian lifestyle. The models selected cover a great range of possibilities—from a 4,000 acre ranch with a small interpretive center, to a tiny 12.5 acre farm inthe heart of the urban Santa Barbara area—unified by their focus on educationalprogramming. This second set of models might inform additional interpretiveactivities within or as a complement to the AgPark concept.DRAFT 1.6.05 13