Research Reports: Farm Viability in Urbanizing Areas

Many important agricultural counties in the United States are urbanizing; and the long-term viability of farming there is in doubt despite considerable public policy efforts to retain the financial, employment, consumer, and other benefits of local farming enterprises. Focusing on 15 metro-area counties in 14 states, the study's purpose was to identify conditions under which farming may remain viable as important agricultural counties transition to become mostly urban and suburban in land use.

The research was funded by a National Research Initiative Grant from USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (Grant #1004-35401-14944).

The research finding are available below in county-level case studies and an overall report that synthesizes findings from the 15 counties (pending).

Case Study on Berks County, Pennsylvania

Case Study on Orange County, New York

Case Study on Burlington County, New Jersey