Mission

The Carroll County Farmland & Rural Preservation Partnership will develop and promote a program to protect local farmland, rural and agricultural resources in Carroll County. This program will help sustain local agricultural production and protect the quality of life for present and future generations.

 

Program Goals

1. Provide broad based education and outreach.

2. Design a program to aid property owners in voluntary protection of the natural and productive qualities of their property.

3. Promote a balanced approach that accommodates development and farmland/rural preservation by identifying and promoting options that allow smart, sustainable growth and prevent urban sprawl.

4. Identify ways to reduce the individual and public financial burdens associated with retaining rural areas, farmland and timberland.

5. Explore and develop multi-funding resources for committee operation.

Committees

· Policy & Education

· Sustainable Agriculture: Chatta-Creek
Rural Resources

· Farmers’ Fresh Food Network

· Cotton Mill Farmers’ Market of Chatta-Creek

Why Save Farmland?

      Carroll County’s close proximity to Atlanta makes it a prime development target. Yet, agriculture is a strong and important part of the local economy. Twenty-five percent of land in the county is actively being farmed. Sale of farm products is 77 million dollars. Two to five times more dollars are generated from farm-related businesses.

       Farmers are finding it more difficult to hold on to their land as taxes increase. How do farmers keep their farms and pass it on to their children? How do we save our local farms which provide food for our very survival? How do we maintain the rural/urban mix that makes this metropolitan Atlanta county so desirable to live in?

           To help farmers retain their farms, the
Partnership has helped accomplish the following for Carroll County.

P Passage of sales tax referendum which includes $3 million for farmland conservation easements & $10 mil. for greenspace

P Established a locally grown farmers market now in its third year

P Started a Food Network to direct market produce to restaurants and institutions

P Held Workshops on sustainable ag. methods and direct marketing of ag. products

P Incubated a farm land trust organization

P Actively participated in the County’s comprehensive land use planning process which will include ordinances for:
 Agricultural Conservation Districts

       Right to Farm

       Conservation sub-divisions

       Transfer of development rights

Carroll County Farmland
& Rural Preservation
Partnership