”Comprehensive nationwide data that pinpoints exactly how many small local farms face opposition is really hard to come by, largely because many of these conflicts are local, dealt with at the municipal or county level, and aren't always tracked in a standardized way. However, several studies and reports offer some insight into the scale and nature of these challenges.
The USDA Economic Research Service has identified that local zoning challenges and regulatory hurdles, often a manifestation of community opposition or NIMBY (Not in my backyard) attitudes are among the top obstacles reported by small and diversified farm operators. For instance, a 2015 USDA report on agro-tourism noted that roughly 35% of small farms cited local zoning and regulatory issues as significant challenges. In a study published in the Journal of Rural Studies, researchers found that in parts of the Northeast, up to 40% of small farm operators reported experiencing local opposition when trying to expand operations or launch agro-tourism initiatives. While these figures are region-specific, they suggest that such opposition is a substantial concern in many communities. Studies like American Farmland Trust have consistently highlighted that restrictive zoning laws and local resistance are recurring issues for small farms. Although their reports often discuss these challenges qualitatively, rather than providing a single nationwide statistic, they reinforce the idea that local opposition is both common and significant. While the exact nationwide percentage may vary and is difficult to pinpoint, these sources indicate that between roughly one-third and nearly half of small local farms in certain regions face notable opposition, often in the form of restrictive zoning, legal challenges, or other community resistance. This local resistance not only hampers growth and innovation, but also reflects broader tensions between evolving agricultural practices and established community norms.”
(Taken from the Podcast from: One Bite Is Everything https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fight-to-farm-the-battle-for-local-foods/id1493357413?i=1000696512314
This Podcast details the legal and personal struggles of a farm in Newfields, NH, The Vernon Family Farm.
Not sure if this is an issue in your small town? Ask a farmer.
Not sure if its an issue in the Town of Barnstead? Read for yourself.
I have a compiled timeline of the outrageous attack and harassment we have experienced by our town officials and building inspector with our farm. The struggle is real. We chose to close our farm but our passion to support and encourage sustainable and community farming will never end.
Farming is hard.
Over regulation is a real thing.
Selective enforcement should be punishable.
If rules are too broad or unclear it can cause confusion and misinterpretation and can lead to legal battles.
If you want to support your local farm, it starts at the municipal level.
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