Comprehensive Planning for Agriculture – for Urban Areas – Making it Useful

 

Agriculture is one of the most important land use and most impactful from an economic development standpoint in Wisconsin.

Can we admit that most Ag sections of City/Village Comprehensive Plans in Wisconsin are terrible?  That they contain information that is irrelevant for incorporated areas but gets put in the plan because of the language of the state law? 

Can we stop doing that?

The law reads:  Agricultural, natural and cultural resources element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs for the conservation, and promotion of the effective management, of natural resources such as groundwater, forests, productive agricultural areas, environmentally sensitive areas, threatened and endangered species, stream corridors, surface water, floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitat, metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources consistent with zoning limitations under s. 295.20 (2), parks, open spaces, historical and cultural resources, community design, recreational resources and other natural resources.

As it applies to agriculture, how is that relevant at all in municipalities? 

IMHO, this is how municipalities should think and plan for agriculture.

There are four main parts of Agriculture:

1. Inputs
2. Production
3. Processing
4. Distribution

We want to identify where there are gaps with inputs, processing and distribution in our area, and then participate with others to address those gaps, so as to improve the productivity of Farms, Businesses and Employees in a way that leads to improved income and living standards for all. 

Gaps are things that are missing – for example:

• Businesses that do not exist in the area that would support other current local businesses
• Infrastructure that would allow businesses to locate and expand
• An industrial park with land to build new businesses
• Educational changes needed that provide fully trained employees

While the City may not be able to address every gap, it can help identify solutions to those gaps and work with others to address them.

This means the City will work to address gaps for inputs, processing and distribution that relate to the agricultural production strengths of the County. 

What are your County’s agricultural strengths and weaknesses, and how is your community going to plan for it?