Why We Protect Farmland
Calf and Clover
Farmland is more than open space — it’s the foundation of our local food system, a key part of Connecticut’s economy, and a living connection to our communities’ heritage. Yet, since 1985, more than 87,000 acres of farmland in the state have been lost to development.
Once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. Protecting farmland ensures that there will always be land to grow food, support agricultural jobs, and preserve the cultural fabric of both rural and urban communities. It also means future generations will have the opportunity to farm — something that’s increasingly out of reach due to rising land costs and lack of access, especially for beginning farmers and farmers of color.
Preserved farmland plays a critical role in environmental health.
Working farms can help filter water, reduce flooding, build soil fertility, and store carbon, making them powerful tools for climate resilience. Farmland also helps to protect wildlife habitat, open space, and the beauty of Connecticut’s landscape.
But conservation isn’t just about land — it’s about people. By protecting farmland and helping farmers access it affordably, we’re investing in a future where agriculture can thrive, communities can stay connected to the land, and the benefits of conservation are shared more equitably.
