Indiana state representative Matt May has announced the formation of a task force to study the state's farmland loss. The task force will be composed of state lawmakers, representatives from key industries, and other stakeholders.
May said the task force is necessary to determine why Indiana has lost so much farmland in recent years and to develop strategies to protect it. He noted that Indiana has lost an estimated 800,000 acres of farmland since 1982, and that the state ranks 44th in the nation for efficient land use planning.
The task force will meet this summer and fall to study growth trends in rural, urban, and suburban communities. It will also look at land use issues and barriers to community development. The task force's findings and any policy recommendations will be reported to the Indiana General Assembly by next summer.
May said he is hopeful that the task force will be able to develop solutions to the state's farmland loss problem. He noted that farming is a vital part of Indiana's economy and that farmland is essential for food production.
The task force is a positive step towards protecting Indiana's farmland. It is important to identify the root causes of farmland loss and to develop strategies to address them. The task force's work will be essential to ensuring that Indiana has the farmland it needs to feed its population and to support its economy.
In addition to the task force, May has also supported legislation to require the state to conduct an inventory of all Indiana farmland lost between 2010 and 2022. This inventory will provide valuable data that can be used to develop strategies to protect farmland.
May's efforts to protect Indiana's farmland are commendable. He is right to recognize the importance of farmland to the state's economy and food security. The task force and the inventory are important steps towards protecting Indiana's farmland for future generations.
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Categories: Indiana, General