PRESSURED LANDSCAPES: PRESERVING AGRICULTURAL LAND ON THE URBAN FRINGE

Abstract

Rural vernacular agricultural landscapes located on the urban fringe of expanding metropolises are under immense conversion pressure. At the same time, their proximity to urban markets with high demand for locally sourced agricultural products affords them distinct market opportunities. Considering these two inherent qualities of farmland on the urban fringe, the hypothesis for this thesis is this: What are the land use management practices currently available for the preservation of farmland, and how is demand for locally sourced food contributing to the sustainability of agricultural production and farmland conservation on the urban fringe? Through a literature review of existing national, state, local, and private efforts to support and promote farmland preservation, this thesis research examines current land management practices employed to preserve rural vernacular agricultural landscapes. Additionally, this thesis research explores the increasing consumer demand for locally grown food as a potential economic tool to conserve farmland by promoting direct-to-consumer markets as part of an overall strategy to support agricultural activity. A case study is included of Loudoun County, Virginia investigating the local government’s land use regulations and incentives, as well as their efforts to promote programs which support local agricultural markets. I conclude that by focusing on local direct-to-consumer markets, agricultural activity can remain profitable even under high development pressure. I advocate for local jurisdictions to exhibit the political will to support comprehensive farmland conservation programs, including land use regulations and incentives, as well as rural economic development support for local direct-to-consumer agricultural markets.