{trend in agricultural fields}

{farmland trend}

To preserve land for future agricultural use, the state Department of Agriculture  purchases the development rights to farmland from volunteer sellers. This keeps the land in private ownership with severe restrictions on future nonagricultural development. After no farms were preserved in 2003, nine farms totaling about 1,100 acres were approved for preservation in 2004, six farms comprising 666 acres in 2005, eight farms comprising 968 acres in 2006, and 11 farms comprising 1,186 acres in 2007. In 2008 the state acquired development rights to seven farms totaling 675 acres. A greater number of farms are reported to be pending closure in 2009. Funds are mostly from state bonding and the Community Investment Act.

Connecticut's farmland preservation goal is based on the amount of land needed for food production needs (though non-food crops including potential biofuel crops could cause the goal to be raised). Mathematical projections of the current preservation rate show the goal being reached in the late 22nd century, but in reality there will not be that acreage of agricultural land remaining in the state by the end of the current century if the recent rate of loss continues.  Preservation of at least 2,000 acres annually should result in success.