Author(s): Deena Merrill

Presentation: poster

Over the past 50 years, the Treasure Valley has lost much of its farmland to development, causing many family farms to lose their livelihood. While farmers and those they employ are suffering from this loss, many other businesses that are dependent on agriculture are hurting as well. Agriculture is an important economic factor in the Treasure Valley, however, many haven’t explored how businesses and jobs are dependent on agricultural production in this area. Several dependent businesses in the Treasure Valley were polled with specialties ranging from fertilizer and seed production to manufacturing and equipment sales to understand how the loss of farmland has affected employees. The survey information was compared with studies from other US cities to help find plausible solutions. Preliminary surveying suggests that the loss of farmland is hurting local employees immensely. Research is showing that a loss in farmland impacts the entire community more than many recognize. If this trend of loss continues in the Treasure Valley, we see the possibility for local business, job and community loss. Prevention of this loss will require cohesion within the Treasure Valley community with respect to farmland importance.

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