October 21st, 2024
By Michael Shulman
Farmers and Planners Meet to Discuss Sustainable Food Systems
CALDWELL, Idaho — A group of 60 leaders from farming, ranching, government agencies, and nonprofits met Thursday to discuss the future of Idaho’s food.
The event, hosted at Peaceful Belly Farm by nonprofits American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Idaho Smart Growth (ISG), challenged participants from across Idaho to collaborate on how to improve land use decisions that preserve and sustain local food systems. The group also heard from AFT senior fellow Julia Freedgood, planning for agriculture expert and author of the new book, “Planning Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems: From Soil to Soil.”
“Reliable access to food is something that relies on a number of systems working together,” AFT’s Idaho Program Manager David Anderson said. “The way we plan and use our land, specifically building better cities, directly impacts our access to healthy and locally-sourced food. Idahoans should take pride in our local food sources and do all we can to protect our farmers, ranchers, and everyone involved in food production.”
Population growth and increasing pressure to expand development throughout the Treasure Valley is straining local farms and ranches. For example, suburban development may eliminate 20% of the agricultural economy in Canyon County alone over the next 20 years, according to AFT’s Agricultural Economic Impact Analysis.
“We are at a real inflection point in Idaho when it comes to the backbone of our economy and heritage,” said Idaho Smart Growth Executive Director Crispin Gravatt. “But I’m heartened by the conversations I’ve heard today between city planners, farmers, and nonprofits like ours. We’re getting on the right track as we keep the conversation going.”
The workshop also featured a celebration of local food systems with home-grown food from Peaceful Belly Farm and sponsored by FARE Idaho. Both AFT and ISG plan to continue working with participants on issues related to land use, farmland, and sustainable food systems.
ABOUT AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST
American Farmland Trust was founded in 1980 to save America’s farms and ranches. AFT is the only national agricultural organization that approaches its work in this comprehensive, holistic manner. We recognize the connection between the land, forward-looking farming practices, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. We also recognize the power of combining on-the-ground projects with objective research and effective advocacy.
ABOUT IDAHO SMART GROWTH
Idaho Smart Growth is a statewide, independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit offering expertise and tools to keep our communities vibrant and our lands healthy. Since 2000, Idaho Smart Growth has collaborated with partners throughout the Gem State to maintain and create great places to live. As the state continues to grow, the urgency of smart growth and the desire to preserve and enhance quality of life here becomes more apparent. Idaho Smart Growth offers a range of programs to help make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and safer for everyone, and it depends on the generous support and community spirit of volunteers and donors to pursue its mission.
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