areas. Farmland protection program goals include the preservation and

areas. Farmland protection program goals include the preservation and promotion of profitable farming; the protection of land equity; and the stabilization of agricultural infrastructure. Protection of farmland also protects non-farm opportunities: in Rappahannock County, for example, the tourist industry is highly dependent upon the character created by the farms, and would be irreparably harmed if farmland was lost to development. The development of a strategy for farmland protection involves a number of elements discussed in the workshop. Strategic protection tools include a comprehensive plan that includes goals and objectives for farm, forest, and open space protection; designation of areas sufficient to accommodate anticipated growth; protection of farmland through agricultural zoning; the use of agricultural and forestal districts to extend added protection to rural areas; the use of cluster zoning; the creation and use of an agricultural economic development program; and the use of preservation tools such as the purchase of development rights. Rappahannock County, fortunately, has in place some of the elements that help to preserve agricultural and open space land, and its residents have shown a strong desire for such preservation. There are program elements that are not employed in the county, however, that could prove beneficial to farm and farmland preservation. The American Farmland Trust can be of assistance, and information on their programs and membership benefits can be obtained by calling them at (202) 331-7300 or by viewing their website, www.farmland.org. J i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i i i i i