Delaware hits milestone in farmland preservation efforts
Delaware hits milestone in farmland preservation efforts Delaware First Media
sdgtalks
The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation Reaches a New Milestone
The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation has achieved a significant milestone by permanently preserving over 150,000 acres of farmland. This accomplishment was made possible through the 27th round of easement selections by Delaware Aglands, bringing the total number of permanently preserved acres of farmland to 151,257.
Preservation Efforts by County
- Four farms in New Castle County
- 16 farms in Kent County
- 40 farms in Sussex County
The farms approved for easement were selected using an impartial discounted ranking system that maximizes benefits for taxpayers. This approach ensures that the preservation efforts are fair and equitable.
Benefits of Farmland Preservation
Delaware Department of Agriculture Administrator Jimmy Kroon highlights the various benefits of preserving farmland. One key benefit is providing access to affordable land for both current and future farmers. By preserving farmland, it becomes more accessible to new farmers and helps support the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Impact on Delaware’s Economy
The preservation of farmland is crucial for Delaware’s economy, as the agricultural industry contributes billions of dollars. According to a report, food and agriculture alone generate $9 billion in revenue for the state. Kroon emphasizes that maintaining access to agricultural land is essential to sustain this economic growth. Without enough available farmland, industries dependent on agriculture may be forced to leave Delaware.
Continued Preservation Efforts
The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation has extended district enrollment until the end of October. This extension allows agricultural landowners who wish to preserve their farms to participate in the preservation program.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- Indicator: Number of acres of farmland permanently preserved.
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Indicator: Percentage of farmland preserved in each county (New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Number of acres of farmland permanently preserved. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Percentage of farmland preserved in each county (New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County). |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 15: Life on Land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under SDG 2: Zero Hunger are Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. The specific target under SDG 15: Life on Land is Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the number of acres of farmland permanently preserved, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 2.4 under SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Additionally, the article states the percentage of farmland preserved in each county (New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County), which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 15.1 under SDG 15: Life on Land.
The information from the article supports the identification of these targets and indicators. The article highlights the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation’s achievement of permanently preserving over 150,000 acres of farmland. This aligns with the target of ensuring sustainable food production systems and improving land and soil quality (Target 2.4). The article also mentions the preservation of farmland in different counties, indicating progress towards the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1).
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: delawarepublic.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
