Humans are astounding. We can be incredibly creative, resourceful and energetic. We have solved complex mathematical and spatial equations, cured deadly diseases, sent astronauts into space, and mapped genomes. Our potential is unlimited. We come together in times of need and metaphorically “move mountains.” So, with all the growth and development in Asheville, Western North Carolina and throughout the region, why is there no comprehensive land use plan?

In NC, we are seeing farmland and forests disappearing more rapidly than at any time in history. In 2005, NC lost more farms than any other state in the nation. According to the April 2007 report “Losing Our Natural Heritage: Development and Open Space Loss in North Carolina” from Environment North Carolina, between 2007 and 2027

• North Carolina will lose another two million acres of forestland and cropland.

• The Triangle will lose 37 percent of its natural areas; cropland will disappear altogether.

• The Charlotte area will lose 30 percent of is natural areas, including nearly a quarter of its forestland, the highest rate of forest loss in the state.

• Developed area in the state will increase by 38 percent, compared to a 30 percent increase in population.

In the last twenty years, North Carolina has lost 2.37 million acres of cropland and forestland, an estimated 325 acres every day. To read this report and others on parks, open spaces and wild places, go to www.environmentamerica.org/reports/parks-open-spaces-wild-places.

Simply stated, preserving farmland will help keep our food production local and sustainable, a great short- and long-term goal. Preserving our area farmland can also have a wider impact—on developing nations producing food for export and global warming. So, it’s important that we look at the following components holistically, since they work together to create a truly sustainable system, and ask what we can do to keep our agricultural areas ready for growing.

ECONOMICS AND “FOOD MILES”
• As oil supplies diminish, transportation costs increase, in turn raising the cost of food products. When we consider manufacturing and transportation, how efficient is our current food system?

• Buying from nearby farms keeps dollars in the community and helps maintain a strong local economy, such as area “Buy Local” campaigns, community co-ops and tailgate markets.

• Local foods are fresher and more seasonally appropriate. To see what’s available in NC by season, visit www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/chart.htm.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND HUMANE TREATMENT
OF ANIMALS
• Large-scale factory farms are notorious for their inhumane treatment of animals, environmental destruction and excessive consumption of resources. Many small, local farms pride themselves on humane treatment of their livestock. Many area farmers also raise their crops organically or with minimal use of pesticides.

• Chemicals and pesticides that have been banned in the U.S. are routinely exported to third world countries. Think grapes from Chile or out-of-season exotic fruits and vegetables that we don’t grow locally. In addition to human health, we must consider the damage these unregulated pesticides have on the eco-systems and populations of developing countries.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• By building over farmland and open and green spaces we are destroying wildlife habitats. Loss of forest and woodlands exacerbates the effects of global warming by increasing carbon dioxide.

• Increased development and clear-cutting forest and mountain land makes them more prone to serious stormwater runoff and erosion incidents.

• With rapid increase in development, coupled with severe drought conditions, officials must develop strategies that will ensure water levels are adequate to provide citizens with all that’s needed for new homes as well as existing residents.

As a community, we must encourage elected officials, on both local and state levels, to join with citizens to proactively plan for the future. Whether it means local and state governments purchasing properties to preserve for agriculture or using property tax incentives to encourage new farm development, when we all work together, the possibilities are infinite. The bumper sticker from American Farmland Trust seems to sum it up pretty accurately: “No Farms, No Food!”

ON THE WEB
Visit the following websites for more information about buying local, sustainable food and preserving land in our area.

Farm Sanctuary, www.factoryfarming.com

Local Harvest, www.localharvest.org

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, www.asapconnections.org

Sustainable Table, www.sustainabletable.org/issues/buylocal

American Farmland Trust, www.farmland.org

Conservation Trust for NC, www.ctnc.org

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, www.appalachian.org

Elaine Lite lives in Asheville and publishes Critter Magazine. She is Chair of Mountain Voices Alliance and works with Asheville PARC (People Advocating Real Conservancy); she can be reached at info@mvalliance.net.

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