Farmland Preservation Public Survey

Introduction

Welcome!

Thank you for responding to this survey regarding Dane County's recertification of the Farmland Preservation Plan. Your opinions and experiences are a valuable tool that will help shape the future of farming in Dane County.

Dane County is currently in process of recertifying the Farmland Preservation Plan, as the previous iteration was certified in 2012. The Farmland Preservation Plan serves many goals with the most prominent being eligibility of farmland for tax credits under the State Farmland Preservation Plan (Under State Statute Ch. 91.51).
 
The Farmland Preservation Plan showcases the importance of agriculture to the state and county economy, as well as discusses the threat of fringe development on our farmlands. Ultimately, the Farmland Preservation Plan serves as a way for farmers and their organizations to ensure that their concerns are addressed and heard at the county level.

More information on the current Farmland Preservation Plan (FPP) and updates for our recertification can be found at the following link:
1.What town, village, or city do you live in?
2.Do you work in the agriculture field? (Farming, Implement Dealer, Etc)
Dane County is one of Wisconsin's fast growing urban centers, but it also leads the state in most categories of agricultural production, with a total market value of Dane County Agriculture being over 500 million dollars. Below you can see the data from the 2017 Agriculture Census that showcases all of Dane County's agricultural ventures and their valuation, and state and national rank.
3.The following are several statements that suggest choices about future directions for farming communities in Dane County.  Please rate each.
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Unsure
Dane County's farming communities should be low density residential
Dane County's farming communities should promote more non-agriculture commercial development
Most new development should occur adjacent to areas which are already developed
Dane County's farming communities should promote the permanent preservation of farmland
Dane County's farming communities should restrict policies to better guide growth
Farming is an important part of the future of Dane County's farming communities
Agricultural businesses should be promoted in Dane County's farming communities
Farmers and other rural landowners should be able to sell their land for a limited amount of commercial development
Land use conflicts between agriculture and residential development are a problem in Dane County's farming communities 
Land use conflicts between commercial and agricultural development is a problem in Dane County's farming communities
Housing affordability is a growing problem in Dane County's farming communities
It is important to have coordinated land use plans with surrounding communities 
Farmland affordability is a growing problem in Dane County’s farming communities
Dane County's farming communities should pursue High Speed Internet Service.
Dane County should be using taxpayer dollars to preserve farmland and natural resources
Nonmetallic mining should be allowed in Dane County’s farming communities
Existing agricultural buildings can be used for non agricultural purposes (landscaping companies, barn venues, RV storage, etc.)
4.How would you rate efforts of the County to guide where development occurs?
5.How do you feel about the future of farming in Dane County over the next 20 years? Please Explain:
6.What do you want to know about the Farmland Preservation Plan, and/or farming in Dane County?