Farmland
The Goal of Farmland Preservation
Oregon’s land use Goal 3 is to preserve and maintain agricultural lands for farm use – the raising, harvesting and selling of crops and livestock. The statutory policy explains that:
(1) Open land used for agricultural use is an efficient means of conserving natural resources that constitute an important physical, social, aesthetic and economic asset to all of the people of this state, whether living in rural, urban or metropolitan areas.
(2) The preservation of a maximum amount of the limited supply of agricultural land, and in large blocks, is necessary in maintaining the agricultural economy and for the assurance of adequate, healthful and nutritious food.
(3) Expansion of urban development into rural areas is a matter of public concern because of the unnecessary increases in costs of community services, conflicts between farm and urban activities and the loss of open space and natural beauty around urban centers.
(4) Exclusive farm use (EFU) zoning limits alternatives to the use of rural land and justifies the reduced property taxes given to those who use EFU land for farm uses.
Thrive’s Mission
Thrive’s mission to protect Hood River’s farmland means to keep EFU land farmed or farmable. We work to limit non-farm uses by:
- Watchdogging. We review land use permit applications submitted to Hood River County in light of county code, state law, LUBA opinions and court rulings. We submit public comments on applications that exceed those boundaries, and may subsequently appeal approvals that do so. We may investigate and inform the county when we become aware of compliance issues with existing permits.
- Advocacy. We host seminars and events, rally support for legislation, attend public meetings and hearings, write opinion pieces, and talk with farmers.
- Connecting. Thrive partners with various nonprofit and governmental entities to respond to threats and promote solutions to preserve farmland for farm use.
Did You Know?
- Hood River County has about 350 commercial farms with nearly 16,000 acres of orchards and various other crops. You can read the unique story behind Hood River’s reign as Oregon’s pear capital in Columbia Insight
- EFU zoning was determined decades ago by soil characteristics. Agricultural soils are irreplaceable. Soils that are paved, graveled, or irreversibly compacted for parking lots, or covered by nonfarm buildings and other structures, will never again be farmed.
- Oregon’s land use system is intended to protect farmland in perpetuity. It is agonistic as to who owns a parcel at a given point in time, the size of the parcel, or how the land is farmed.
Why Farmland?
- Food security: Preserving agricultural land ensures a local food supply, reducing dependence on imports and increasing resilience to supply chain disruptions.
- Economic importance: Agriculture is a significant industry in Oregon, contributing billions to the state’s economy and providing jobs.
- Environmental benefits: Farmland can act as a carbon sink, help with flood control, and provide wildlife habitat when managed sustainably.
- Cultural heritage: Farming is an integral part of Oregon’s history and cultural identity.
- Scenic value: Agricultural landscapes contribute to Oregon’s natural beauty, which is important for tourism and quality of life.
- Urban sprawl prevention: Protecting farmland helps control urban expansion and encourages more efficient land use.
- Water resource management: Farmland can play a role in maintaining healthy watersheds and aquifers.