Abstract

According to a 2010 UCONN study, in 2007 Connecticut agriculture contributed $3.5 billion dollars to the state's economy and 20,000 jobs statewide. Agriculture is growing and diversifying in Connecticut to meet the demand for locally grown food and farm products. Agriculture is a unique land use that often does not fit into the mold of most land use regulations. It is important that municipalities understand the unique characteristics of agriculture so that regulations are written that allow for sustainability of local agriculture. This one hour webinar will highlight key points community leaders and planners should consider when drafting "farm-friendly" regulations and what steps communities should take to insure that the needs of the farming and non-farming community are addressed.