Senate debate over HB 4031 pits renewable energy build‑out against farmland and local‑control concerns HB 4031, which creates narrow siting exemptions for some renewable energy projects that meet timeline and tax‑credit requirements, passed the Senate after extended floor debate about loss of prime farmland, public engagement and local authority. Supporters pointed to deployment delays; opponents warned of fast‑tracking and community impacts.

The Oregon Senate has just passed a controversial bill that could fast-track renewable energy projects, but at what cost to local farmland and community control?

Click to read more!

#OR #FarmlandProtection #PublicParticipation #RenewableEnergy

Kane County officials and farm groups warn proposed state solar-siting measure could limit local control Committee members and Farm Bureau representatives told the Kane County Agriculture Committee they flagged a pending state bill that they say could remove local siting authority for solar projects; the county and Farm Bureau said they will lobby to protect productive farmland and local control.

Kane County officials and farmers are raising alarms over a proposed state bill that could strip local control of solar siting, threatening the very farmland that fuels Illinois.

Get the details!

#KaneCounty #IL #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal #LocalControl #RenewableEnergy

Iroquois County panel deems large solar applications complete despite public opposition The Planning & Zoning committee voted to deem multiple large solar applications complete and send them to public hearings after residents raised farmland, habitat and tax-base concerns and committee members flagged legal limits imposed by a recent state law.

Iroquois County's Planning & Zoning committee has sparked controversy by advancing major solar projects despite strong local opposition over farmland and environmental concerns.

Click to read more!

#IroquoisCounty #IL #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicParticipation #FarmlandProtection

Coalition raises farmland protection, PFAS, composting and market concerns as legislative priorities NOFA and coalition members outlined additional priorities for the session: farmland protection tied to Act 181 regional planning implementation, PFAS and potential H.303 action to restrict land application of sewage sludge, outstanding Act 41 rulemaking for on‑farm composting, concerns about hemp/cannabis market structure, and support for federal clarification on off‑farm slaughter.

Vermont's coalition is raising urgent agricultural policy priorities that could reshape farming practices and protect our land—are you ready to dive into the details?

Learn more here

#VT #PFASContamination #MarketStructure #FarmlandProtection #VermontAgriculture #CitizenPortal

Council asks staff to draft voluntary‑annexation charter options after legal briefing Following a legal presentation about charter authority and state limits, the Volusia County Council narrowly directed staff to prepare options and draft charter language for an exclusive voluntary‑annexation process that would give county residents greater standing in owner‑requested annexations.

Volusia County Council is taking a bold step toward shaping the future of land use by exploring a new charter process for voluntary annexations—could this change the landscape of rural growth forever?

Click to read more!

#VolusiaCounty #FL #CivicEngagement #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal

Experts at retreat urge farmland protection, local processing and farmer support to strengthen Chatham County’s climate resilience A farm and food-systems session highlighted Chatham County’s strong agricultural base, rising direct and intermediate sales, and high share of beginning farmers; the presenter recommended protecting prime farmland, expanding cold storage and processing capacity, and funding programs that give new farmers access to land and capital.

Chatham County leaders are urged to treat farmland as a vital asset for climate resilience, emphasizing that "farmland (and food) is the new oil" in our fight against climate change.

Get the details!

#ChathamCounty #NC #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal #ChathamCountyAgriculture

Boone County planners review draft Energy Overlay to regulate large solar, wind and battery projects The Boone County Area Planning Commission extensively reviewed an HWC-produced outline for an Energy Overlay District to govern large commercial solar, wind and battery storage projects. Staff and commissioners flagged major issues — including whether overlays should be limited to agricultural zoning, how to protect prime farmland and aquifers, sit

Boone County officials are diving deep into a new Energy Overlay District plan that could reshape how large solar, wind, and battery projects are managed, sparking heated debates on farmland and groundwater protections.

Learn more here!

#BooneCounty #IN #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal

Commissioner Williams addresses concerns over new subdivision development in county Commissioner Williams expresses support for subdivision despite local resistance and urban sprawl fears.

The Christian County Commission faces tough choices as they prepare to vote on a controversial development that could reshape local farmland into new homes.

Get the details!

#ChristianCounty #MO #CitizenPortal #FarmlandProtection #ChristianCountyDevelopment #CommunityGrowth #UrbanSprawl

Farmland Protection Board encourages September applications ahead of January approvals September marks deadline for applications to the Farmland Protection Board before next year's cycle.

The clock is ticking for farmland protection applications—submit yours by the end of September to ensure your voice is heard in next year's crucial decisions!

Learn more here

#GrandIslandErieCounty #NY #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #AgriculturalInitiatives

GIS Data Downloads - Fairfield County Auditor's Office, Lancaster, Ohio Census Layers and County Layers.

☕ Web Chick Update
🔷 The Auditor’s Office GIS Data Downloads now include a new layer for Agricultural Security Areas.

#WebChickUpdate #FairfieldCounty #GIS #AgriculturalSecurity #FarmlandProtection

Tell the Township of Wilmot about the future you want.
www.engagewr.ca/engage-wilmot

@wilmottownship.bsky.social

#NoUrbanSprawl
#FarmlandProtection
#ProtectOurWater
#MoreConsultation
#FightForFarmland

Residents Oppose Proposed Development Near Historic Mustin Farm in Kernersville Local residents express concerns over the impact of development on Mustin hay fields.

Residents are raising their voices against a proposed development that threatens the historic Mustin Farm and its vital hay fields in Kernersville.

Get the details!

#NC #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal #KernersvilleAgriculture #CommunityInput

Saint Croix County Resident Opposes Excel Energy's Solar Plans Amid Environmental Concerns Resident urges regulators to preserve farmland and address hazardous solar panel waste.

A local resident's fiery plea at the St. Croix County Board meeting raises alarming questions about the true cost of solar energy developments, warning of environmental dangers and the threat to precious farmland.

Read the full story

#CroixCounty #WI #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal

Local Council discusses farmland protection and community agriculture initiatives Council prioritizes farmland preservation and enhances community agriculture programs in local village.

The Village of Cross Plains is taking bold steps to protect local farmland and enhance community agriculture while ensuring the health of Black Earth Creek.

Click to read more!

#WI #FarmlandProtection #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalHealth #SustainableAgriculture

Local farmers oppose data center zoning in Clunet fearing economic impact Clunet farmers express concern over data center jeopardizing farmland and local economy.

Local farmers in Kosciusko County are rallying against proposed data centers, fearing they could jeopardize their livelihoods and the very fabric of their agricultural legacy.

Learn more here!

#KosciuskoCounty #IN #FarmlandProtection #KosciuskoCountyAgriculture #TechVersusTradition

We do not have to manifest an opportunity for change because the opportunity for change is here.

What we need is a new model - the Farmland Commons.

#landaccess #landtransition #farmlandprotection

Wildly successful for a farmer doesn't have to include buying and owning tons of land.

The Farmland Commons removes the barrier of high mortgages and lease rates, while also giving them the most agency for decision-making and control of their farms.

#FarmlandCommons #farmlandprotection

Supporting aging, retiring farmers in transitioning their land in more just and Earth-focused, heart-centered ways is how we can best solve the burning issue of land access for new farmers who face huge barriers to land access.

#farmlandcommons #landtransition #landaccess #farmlandprotection

Landowners have the power to decide who and how their land is owned after them.

This work is only possible with, willing and aligned Landowners.

Thefarmerslandtrust.org

#farmlandprotection #farmlandtrust #farmland

Cultivating a Legacy: The Schmieder Family Farm's Journey to Permanent Protection and Future Success Perched on a picturesque hill in Alexander, NY is one of the prettiest farms you'll find in Western New York. You will recognize it by the sight of cows grazing in a nearby pasture, a rarity these…

I love my job at @wnylc, and this is the kind of happy story I get to write from time to time. #farmlandprotection

Stained-glass window depicting European institutions separating pesticide-like molecules from farmland.

Stained-glass window depicting European institutions separating harmful pesticide-like molecules from farmland #pesticideban #agroecology #europeanhealth #stainedglassart #euinstitutions #farmlandprotection