Pre-Filed Testimony and Exhibits of David Raphael - Vermont Public ...

FOOD FOR
THOUGHT
Farm and forest lands have a
number of benefi:
• Production of local food
products significantly
reduces transportation
costs and consumption of
fuel;
• As a land use, agriculwre
has a positive fiscal impact
on the commtlnity’s tax
base (ie. demands less
services than it contributes
in taxes);
• Farming of certain crops is
a positive use of floodplain
areas;
• Open tields. forests and
meadows are an imoorrant
areas for groundwater
recharge
• Locally-owned and
o1rated businesses such as
farms and wood
‘nan titacru tets circulate
local money in thc local
economy;
• Corn fields and other
farmlands provide habitat
for wild animals including
deer, turkey and woodcock;
• Forests provide habitat to a
wide range of animals and
birds, including large
animals such as moose,
bear and large cats;
• Active farmlands provide
open space and scenic
views as well as a land use
tradition characteristic of
rural Vermont; and
• Forests provide a variety of
outdoor recreation
opportunities as well as a
varied and scenic backdrop
throughout the year.
in the coming years. Financial incentives
to seasonal employees may be an
enticement. Elsewhere there are
programs designed to recruit a pool of
workers interested in seasonal
agriculture jobs.
RRPC ACTIONS
In addition to supporting activities and
developments that contribute to
individual communities and the Region,
and which help meet the needs identified
in this chapter, the Rutland Regional
Planning Commission will strive to
accomphsh the following actions in the
coming years:
Work with interested communities to
better support the retention ana viability
of agricultural ands through their land
use plans and regulations. For
example, use the “Is Your Town Farm
Friendly” checklist to examine
weaknesses in land use plans and
regulations or language that may
unintentionally inhibit farm enterprises.
Work with area farmers and the Rutland
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Area Farm and Food Link to dentify
gaps in infrastructure neeaed to increase
supply of agricultural products produced
in the Region.
Work with local towns and land trusts to
examine the effects of land conservation
techniques and to devise ways of
countering unintended consequences
such as escalating land and housing
costs.
• Partner with other organizations to
create a farm incubator in the Rutland
Region to help new farmers get started in
this Region.
• Support partnerships with Natural
Resource Agencies to plan far
sustainable farming and forestry.
• Where housing or other development an
lands suitable for agriculture and forestry
is proposed, help shape land use
regulations and development review to
encourage cluster housing to allow for
the continuation of large tracts.
• Work with
Investment
employment
sectors.
the Rutland Workforce
Board to address
needs of farm and forestry
One of the objectives of this Plan is to provide communities with the tools, and the frame
work, for developing effective local plans and policies. This Plan should be used as a resource
for communities preparing plan updates. In addition to the plan, however, a number of other
resources are available:
• US Census — (www.census.gov). This site contains the most commonly used housing and
demographic data across the country
• 2002 us Census on Agriculture (www.census,gov). Contains the most widely used basic agri
cultural data
• Vermont Agency of Agriculture website (www.vermontagriculture.com)
• Cornell Community Food arid Agriculture Program website (www.thp.org)
• Food Routes website (www.foodroutes.org)
• Vermont Fresh Network (www.vermontfresh.net)
• Rutland Area Farm and Food Link website (www.rutlandfarmandfood.org)
• Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District (www.vacd.org/prnnrcd)
• Rutland Natural Resource Conservation District (www.vacd.orglrutlandl)
•Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation Maple website (http:/Fwww.mapleinfo.orgl)
•Vermont Division of Forestry website (http:llwww.vtfpr.arglhtrn/forestry.cfm)
106 Adopted 4-15-08 Rutland Regional Plan