A Feasibility Study for Urban Edge Agricultural Parks - SAGE

Study Methodology and Findings1. Background Research: HistoricalContext For Collective FarmingThis first step profiles the evolution of the concept of Agricultural Parks (AgParks),which is rooted in historic methods of land management and collective farmingfound throughout the cultures of the world.2. Research of Management andDevelopment ModelsThe Project conducted a broad inventory of existing urban edge farming projectsthat serve multiple producers, have shared land tenure, and provide demonstrablevalue in terms of their environmental, aesthetic, recreational, and/or educationalcontributions to the surrounding community. Both U.S. and international modelswere investigated, ranging from collective management structures to homeownerassociations.Twenty-nine examples of AgPark concept components were identified and groupedby theme. Findings included:Farmland Preservation/Retention• Nearby/adjacent preserved farmland and/or open space are valuable amenitiesto some homebuyers. These values can be used to compensate for seeminglyhigh agricultural land prices.• Zoning can be a major challenge. If zoning allows for development, the price ofagricultural easements is relatively high.• Conservation easements alone may not ensure that properties will be activelyfarmed, and may need to be combined with incentives, program funding and/ornegotiated public access to be able to support ongoing agriculture.Increased Public Access and Education• Agricultural tourism and public connectivity increase support for local farmingprojects and public appreciation of agriculture.• Collective operations and ownership seem to support project viability andcommunity investment, in many cases.Limited Resource Farmer Assistance to Land,Markets or Training• Small-scale agricultural success relies on practices such as: diversification,marketing, branding, re-use of obsolete farm facilities for touristaccommodations, value-added production, and internal purchasing of farmproducts.• Projects utilizing a combination of affordable leases and structured, collaborativemarketing have been successful.DRAFT 1.6.05 2