STATEHOUSE (July 3, 2024) – Results of a new study by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture found that the state lost nearly 2% or 345,682 acres of farmland between 2010 and 2022 primarily due to residential home building around cities and suburban areas, according to State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown).
In 2023, a new law charging the ISDA with determining how much land has been lost, the primary causes of lost land and provide recommendations for future legislation. Criswell said the new data is concerning, especially as Indiana's population grows along with the demands for agricultural products produced in the Hoosier state.
"Our goal is to have balance between our economic growth and the preservation of critical farm ground, which is essential to our food supply and agricultural industry," said Criswell, a member of the House Environmental Affairs Committee. "The loss of farmland impacts everyone in Indiana from the food we eat to the jobs we rely on, and that’s why I look forward to using this new data to ensure we're looking out for farmers and rural communities."
According to the Department of Local Government Finance’s parcel data, there were approximately 18,314,648 acres of agricultural land with a property class code denoting agricultural use in 2010, and approximately 17,968,966 acres in 2022. This represents an approximate loss of 345,682 acres or a 1.89% decrease. With continued population growth and economic development, the data found most of the farmland has been rezoned for residential use (over 370,000 acres) followed by uses classified as other (over 68,000 acres), industrial (over 41,000 acres), commercial (over 27,000 acres) and mineral (over 2,1000 acres).
In addition to housing growth, Criswell said renewable energy continues to be a factor in land use with 7,611 acres being used for current solar operations and over 19,000 acres under construction. He also said more in-depth research is needed to further dive into the impact solar farms have on current agricultural land and how technology and innovation influence lost farmland.
As part of recent legislation, the ISDA released several recommendations for the Indiana General Assembly to consider as new laws.
To monitor the growth of communities and the impact they have on agricultural land, the ISDA recommended updating the Inventory of Lost Farmland every five years, starting in 2029 when the next Census of Agriculture will be released and include a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches. In addition, the ISDA suggests more coordination between the state and local governments on land use decisions and farmland preservation, and determining when the amount of lost farmland affects food security and how technology is helping farms produce more with less acres.
Criswell said he plans to take ISDA's recommendations under consideration as he prepares for the next legislative session, which begins in January.
Click here for a copy of ISDA's Inventory of Lost Farmland report.
-30-
State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
