Tennessee to lose two million acres of farm land to development, UT Institute of AG says
Tennessee to lose two million acres of farm land to development, UT Institute of AG says WVLT
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The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Projects Loss of Farmland in Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is projecting the state of Tennessee to lose roughly two million acres of farmland by 2027.
UT is using a number of data inputs to learn more about the loss the state has experienced, one of which is the USDA Cropscape Datalayer.
Impacts of Land Loss and the Sustainable Development Goals
At UT, they’ve worked to learn about the impacts on land loss for land development reasons. Dr. Charley Martinez, the director of the UT Institute of Ag, emphasizes the need for a balance between agriculture and non-agriculture, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Martinez believes that the projected loss of two million acres is conservative and could potentially reach 2.5 million acres. This significant loss of farmland raises concerns about the future of agriculture in Tennessee and its impact on the economy and food security, two important aspects addressed by the SDGs.
The Cost of Land Loss on Agriculture
Dr. Martinez also highlights the potential consequences of land loss on agriculture in terms of economic costs. Historically, agriculture has received the lowest return of service compared to the amount of money invested in the economy. With the further loss of agricultural land in Knox County and East Tennessee counties, the cost of service for the remaining producers is expected to increase. This emphasizes the importance of preserving farmland and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, as advocated by the SDGs.
Regional Analysis: Land Development and Loss
Knox County leads the way in land development, followed by Blount and Sevier counties. The research conducted by UT categorizes land into crop land, pasture land, hay, and forestry, providing a comprehensive understanding of the different types of land loss.
Across East Tennessee, hay production is experiencing the most significant loss, with Loudon and Jefferson counties reporting a double-digit percentage decrease. This loss of hay production not only affects local farmers but also impacts livestock feed availability and overall agricultural sustainability, both important considerations within the SDGs framework.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the loss of farmland in Tennessee, which is connected to SDG 2 as it relates to food production and ensuring access to nutritious food. The issue of land development and its impact on agriculture is also connected to SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, the loss of farmland affects the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems, making it relevant to SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore life on land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 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.
- SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
- SDG 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.
Based on the article, the targets mentioned above are relevant to address the issues highlighted. Target 2.4 focuses on implementing resilient agricultural practices and improving land and soil quality, which is important in the context of farmland loss. Target 11.7 emphasizes the need for accessible green spaces, which can help mitigate the impact of land development on agriculture. Target 15.1 highlights the importance of conserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, including farmland, to ensure sustainable use and maintain ecosystem services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of farmland lost in Tennessee by 2027
- Percentage of land used for agriculture compared to non-agricultural purposes
- Percentage of agricultural land converted for land development
- Percentage of hay land lost in Loudon and Jefferson counties
The article mentions the loss of farmland in Tennessee, which can be measured as a percentage to track progress towards Target 2.4. The comparison between land used for agriculture and non-agricultural purposes can also serve as an indicator. Additionally, the percentage of hay land lost specifically in Loudon and Jefferson counties provides a localized indicator of the impact on agricultural practices.
4. 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. | – Percentage of farmland lost in Tennessee by 2027 – Percentage of land used for agriculture compared to non-agricultural purposes |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | – Percentage of agricultural land converted for land development |
| 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 hay land lost in Loudon and Jefferson counties |
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: wvlt.tv
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