What's Happening?
The New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan, released by the New Hampshire Food Alliance, outlines over 140 recommendations to improve the state's food system. The plan aims to increase the percentage of locally sourced food from 3.1% to 30%
by 2030. A key focus is on balancing housing development with farmland preservation. The American Farmland Trust and New Hampshire Housing are exploring ways to integrate housing needs with agricultural land use. The plan addresses the decline in farmland and proposes smart land development to protect valuable agricultural areas while accommodating housing demands.
Why It's Important?
This strategic plan is significant as it addresses the dual challenges of preserving farmland and meeting housing needs in New Hampshire. By promoting smart land development, the plan seeks to prevent the loss of agricultural land to urban sprawl, which is crucial for maintaining local food production and rural character. The initiative also highlights the interconnectedness of housing and agriculture, emphasizing the need for policies that support both sectors. Successful implementation could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, contributing to sustainable development and food security.
What's Next?
The working group involved in the strategic plan will continue to explore solutions for integrating housing and agriculture. This includes preparing case studies and engaging with stakeholders to implement the plan's recommendations. The focus will be on identifying high-value conservation land for agriculture and areas suitable for housing development. The initiative aims to demonstrate the feasibility of combining affordable housing with farmland preservation, potentially influencing future land use policies in New Hampshire and beyond.
