On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Mediation Director Bob Holbert participated in an online forum with the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Agricultural Land Network and the American Farmland Trust. These groups work to reduce the amount of farmland we are losing to development across the country. Presenters Allison Volk and Jan Joannides told the forum about the “Buy, Sell, Protect” program in which land is purchased from a retiring farmer, sold to a new farmer, and protected from future developments with easements. The program was very informative and gave guidance on selecting parcels of land, placing conservation or development right easements on the property, and selecting good candidates to ensure continued ag production on the lands, all of which results in reduced land prices and increased production. This program fits in well with FARM-VA’s and NCAMP’s missions to assist in farm transition/succession planning.
Exploring Land Conservation: Insights from the “Buy, Sell, Protect” Program
