An article on VTDigger from last summer says that prices for rural land are rising steadily in Vermont, driven not simply by an increase in the number of people interested in starting a farm, but also by consumer demand for local food and Vermont-made products.
The article quotes former state Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee as saying, "This is real, and it’s explosive. Today’s
consumers are more concerned about where their food came from; they are
concerned about food safety and the environment; and they like to
connect with the person who grew their food."
Despite support from localvores and Vermont's current-use program, which limits property taxes on conserved land like farms and forests, new farmers find it difficult to break into the real estate market, especially in dairy, because they don't have the capital to buy land.
That's where the Vermont Land Trust and the State Housing and Conservation Trust Board come in, easing the financial burden on farmers by purchasing development rights to ensure that land remains conserved beyond the current owners.
Another popular option for new farmers is leasing land, which gives them the means to get started without putting themselves in huge debt. This is especially important given continued interest of real estate buyers who simply want rural land to enjoy as it is, but who need a little extra income from leasing to support the purchase.
The long of the short of it is that the local food movement in Vermont has become a tangible force in the state's real estate and agricultural industries, which make up a huge portion of the state's economy. With any hope, the momentum will continue into the uncertain future of the American food system, ensuring that Vermonters will continue to have access to plenty of healthy, wholesome food.
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