Wayne County farmland needs preserved
Letter to the Editor,
In Wooster’s effort to solve the current “housing problem,” it also needs to consider future generations’ need for food.
If farmland is to be developed, people need to understand not all soils are alike. Prime farmland, created by glacial deposits, is well-drained with little slope. These traits make it desirable for development, as less site preparation is needed. However, these traits are essential for economic production and sustained high yield of crops and livestock.
Marginal farmland can be altered to accommodate development but not made into prime farmland. Once the soil structure is destroyed, it cannot be restored. Nearly 50 years ago, the USDA proclaimed, “Prime farmland is limited and is of major importance in meeting our short- and long-range needs for feeds, food and fiber.”
It also stated, “It is up to all levels of government and individuals to facilitate the wise use of these soils.”
A third of the prime Wayne Township farmland has already been consumed by Wooster. The rest needs to be preserved. Any further development takes food out of our mouths.
This is occurring nationwide. In 2012, 50% of Ohio farmland was considered prime farmland. Now only 44% of prime soils are still available for agriculture. This will continue until we start being selective in how we use the land. Build, but not on prime farmland.
Economically, the essentials of life that come from the soil will be even more valuable in the future. Save prime farmland, and our descendants can be suppliers, not just consumers. If you agree we need to preserve prime farmland for our children and beyond, contact your city, county and state leaders to encourage them to help save what is left. Is it right to misuse this limited essential resource now and cause hardship for future generations?
Ron Becker
Rittman
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