A RURAL NON-FARM VIEW: Issues and Challenges

- Ron Corbett, MCIP

One of the major concerns of rural areas is the amount of farmland that is being converted to non-farm uses.

The short-term concern is that if this trend continues the local economy will be seriously affected. Accordingly the long-term concern is that the land base is in danger of being eroded to the point where it will no longer be able to support a viable agricultural sector.

The loss of farmland is primarily due to the fact that farm uses simply can't compete with non-farm uses.

The market economy favors other competing land uses because they return the highest economic reward. Who is going to sell land for farmland when other land uses have a return ten times that or even more?

Other major concerns in rural areas are the conflicts between farm and non-farm uses. These conflicts are the result of different values at work. They include clashes between those wishing to protect rural areas and those wishing to maximize economic returns, conflicts between farmers and non-farm residents wishing to enjoy their right to privacy without the inherent nuisance of farming practices, and conflicts between farmers And environmentalists who view farming practices as a threat to the environment.

It is crucial to the long-term viability of our rural communities that an overall strategy that represents all stakeholders in the community be implemented.

Communities must work together to develop a strategy to manage and conserve this infinite land base to protect and enhance the viability of the existing rural economy and to ensure this land base is available to future generations.

Ron Corbeff is planning director of the Tantramar Planning Commission, and previously served with the Rural and Small Towns Program in Sackville. He can be reached at rcorbeff@nbnet.nb.ca

Atlantic Planners Institute

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