utah agriculture sustainability task force: planning for agriculture
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8/3/2019 Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force: Planning for Agriculture
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State of Utah
AAAGRICULTUREGRICULTUREGRICULTURE SSSUSTAINABILITYUSTAINABILITYUSTAINABILITYTTTASKASKASK FFFORCEORCEORCE
Planning for Agriculture
January 2012
State of Utah
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Task Force Members
Role Name Title Location
Chair Lt. Governor Greg Bell Lieutenant Governor SLC
Co-Chair Commissioner Leonard Blackham Commissioner, Utah Department of
Agriculture and Food/Utah Conservation Commission (UCC)
SLC
Senators Gene Davis
Lyle Hillyard
David Hinkins
Wayne Niederhauser
Ralph Okerlund
Jerry Stevenson
Kevin VanTassell
Utah State Senate
Utah State Senate
Utah State Senate
Utah State Senate
Utah State Senate
Utah State Senate
Utah State Senate
SLC
Logan
Orangeville
Sandy
Monroe
Layton
Vernal
Representatives Joel Briscoe
Mel Brown
Jack DraxlerBrad Galvez
John Mathis
Rhonda Menlove
Mike Morley
Mike Noel
Christine Watkins
Bill Wright
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of RepresentativesUtah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
Utah House of Representatives
SLC
Coalville
North LoganWest Haven
Vernal
Garland
Spanish Fork
Kanab
Price
Holden
Local Government and
Landowners
Bob Barry
Stuart Bowler
Alan Brown
Scott Chew
Larry Ellertson
Bruce Karren
David MansellJ.T. Martin
Randy Parker
Phil Rasmussen
Flint Richards
Tyson Roberts
Curtis Rowley
Ed Sunderland
Brent Tanner
Jay Tanner
San Juan CD/UCC
Dixie CD
Wasatch County CD/UCC
Uintah County CD
Utah County Commissioner/Quality Growth Commission
North Cache CD/UCC
Utah Association of Realtors/Quality Growth CommissionSalt Lake City Council/Quality Growth Commission
Utah Farm Bureau
USU Sustainable Ag. Research and Education/UCC
Farm Bureau/Quality Growth Commission
Davis County CD
Landowner
Landowner
Utah Cattlemens Association/Quality Growth Commission
State Grazing Board/Conservation District/UCC
Monticello
Veyo
Heber City
Jensen
Provo
Lewiston
SLCSLC
Sandy
Logan
Erda
Layton
Santaquin
Chester
SLC
Grouse Creek
Staff John Bennett,staff lead
Evan Curtis
Gina DAlesandro
Sherie Edginton
Martin EsplinJill Flygare
Larry Lewis
Thayne Mickelson,staff lead
Alex White
Jack Wilbur
Governors Office of Planning and Budget (GOPB)
GOPB
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)
UDAF
GOPB InternGOPB
UDAF
UDAF
GOPB Intern
UDAF
SLC
SLC
SLC
SLC
LoganSLC
SLC
SLC
Provo
SLC
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Preface..5
Executive Summary...7
Action Summary...8
Utah Agricultural History...10
Section 1: Grazing & Public Land12
Section 2: Confined Animal Production Agriculture....14
Section 3: Grains, Specialty Row Crops, Fruits & Vegetables...17
Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface......19
Appendix I: Issues Overview .26Appendix II: Issues (strategies, actions/tasks, and outcomes).....29
Food Security
Invasive Species (including weeds)
Grazing Improvement
Immigration
Urban Agriculture
Utah Agriculture Promotion and Profitability
Next Generation Farms (young farmers)
Irrigation Infrastructure
Contents
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Preface
Dear Utah Citizen:
As co-chairs of the Agriculture Sustainability Task Force, we are delighted to share thisreport with you. In this report, we have tried to capture the work of the Task Force andprovide you with critical information about Utah agriculture.
What is sustainability?
There are two ways of looking at sustainability: The capability of being sustained, andthe capability of sustaining. The taskforce looked at both ideas. We wanted to know howagriculture sustains our communities, and how our communities sustain our agriculturallands, producers, and heritage. To understand sustainability, consider the following keyquestions:
What is Utah agriculture?Every farm or ranch is different. Usually, we think of ranchers on horseback surroundedby their animals, or a farmer in a large field with a tractor. These types of farms stillaccount for the majority of agricultural products in Utah, but urban farms are also addingto our local food supply. These are small acreage operations growing vegetables, fruits,eggs, honey, and sometimes meat, for the consumer market. What distinguishes them isthat they are in cities, or suburbs, rather than far away in rural areas. The otherdifference is that they often use different marketing strategies such as farmers markets orCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions to sell their products.
Why conserve our farms?Farms of all sizes provide a number of benefits that are critical to our quality of life.They produce food, fiber, nursery stock, and flowers. They clothe us, beautify oursurroundings, and supply us with the energy we need everyday. Utah farms and ranchesalso contribute significantly to the states economy. Everything grown here can beimported from outside of Utah, but the cost of transporting them and the concerns withthe safety, nutrition, and availability of imported products make having local capacity to
produce food very important and beneficial to us. It is important not to becomedependent on foreign sources for such a basic critical need as food.
Why is this important to me?Population growth, land prices, and fluctuating operating costs and market prices foragricultural products make it hard for farmers to make a living. As farm businesses arethreatened, our local food security is at risk and we are all subject to additionalinflationary costs for our food.
Agriculture Sustainability In Utah
Commissioner of Agriculture and
Food, Leonard Blackham (left), co
-chaired the Task Force with Lt.
Governor, Greg Bell (right).
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What can we do?
There are many things that we can do. Mostly, however, it boils down to this: we have tomake it easier for farmers and ranchers to make a living on the land available to them.
Strategies to do this may include:
providing new markets for agricultural products
finding ways to keep more of the billions of dollars we spend each year on foodwithin the State of Utah
using new media, the internet and other innovative marketing strategies to inform thepublic of our efforts
changing tax policies and zoning regulations to favor agricultural production
creating other options to help promote the economic health of our farms and ranches
Current tools, such as conservation easements or transfer of development rights to ensurethat our agricultural lands are permanently protected, can be used when necessary toprotect the health of these vital assets. Another important tool is the USU ExtensionService and its ability to provide critical information to our farmers and ranchers.
What are the benefits of protecting farms and ranches?In general, farmers and ranchers are good stewards of the land. Their wise managementprotects critical watersheds, provides habitat for important wildlife, maintains cleanwater and air, and provides environmental benefits too. Overall, this kind of managementhas the power to promote a better quality of life.
Recommendations:We have developed and adapted recommendations for the State, local governments,producers, and consumers.
We trust these recommendations will start deliberations on important issues and willresult in concrete solutions to protect farms, ranches, farm families, and mostimportantly, the communities that are served by the benefits of Utah Agriculture.
Preface...Continued
Utah Agriculture Sustainability T
Force members at work, 2011
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Executive Summary
As agriculture in Utah continues to face increased pressure from urban development, changing demographics, economic
pressures, and a myriad of other issues, it is becoming increasingly important that policy makers and citizens understandthe critical role that agriculture plays in promoting Utahs security, economy, society, culture, and well-being.
To better understand and address these concerns, Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell and Commissioner of AgricultureLeonard Blackham convened the Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force. The Task Force was comprised of statelegislators, local government officials, conservation districts, agricultural producers, and other interested parties. Theycame together to gather and analyze data and information, and to make recommendations to promote the sustainability ofall types of agriculture in Utah. During the discussion of key agricultural sectors, eight major issues emerged:
Food Security- Local farming gives us the ability to feed people in their communities independent of outsideinfluences and keeps dollars spent on agricultural products in the local economy. Once prime or importantagricultural lands are converted to urban development, the ability to produce food is lost and our ability to be self
-sufficient is decreased.
Invasive Species -More effective coordination is needed to inventory and control weeds on public and private lands.Increased public awareness is critical to minimize the spread of invasive species.
Grazing Management - Livestock grazing is the dominant sector in Utah agriculture. While the number of permittedlivestock on public lands has been decreasing, rangeland can support additional livestock grazing that isbeneficial to wildlife, healthy lands, and quality recreational opportunities, if it is properly managed. Landscape-scale grazing management can be a tool to effectively manage natural resources for wildlife and livestock.
Immigration -Utah farms and ranches require an ample, sustainable, and legal workforce.
Urban Agriculture- Urban agriculture is a growing segment in which every acre counts. Creating agriculture-
friendly zoning ordinances will help expand food-producing opportunities throughout our cities and counties.
Agriculture Promotion and Profitability -To be sustainable, agriculture must beprofitable. This will requireincreased local marketing opportunities, processing capacity, and distribution networks.
Next Generation Farms - As the average age of farm operators in Utah continues to increase, it will be important toprovide Utah farmers and ranchers with reasonable options for generational farm transfer.
Irrigation Infrastructure - The availability of water is critical to agriculture. Improving water distribution systemsto deliver water to farm lands in a cost-effective manner will be important for both sustainable agriculture andprojected population growth.
In order to address these issues, the Task Force developed a list of proposed actions that state, local and federalgovernments, and the private sector can implement. All proposed action items were unanimously supported by allmembers of the task force, with the exception of conservation easements. A few members of the task force had concerns
with the structure and appropriateness of conservation easements.
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Action Summary
The 2011 Agriculture Sustainability Task Force proposes the following:
Policy Statement:Prime, important and unique agricultural lands and soils are vital to sustain human life. The protection ofprime agricultural lands should be given the same consideration as other lands by federal agencies, the Stateof Utah, and its political subdivisions. It is important these lands be conserved for our food security needs.
Proposed Actions:
State
Develop legislative policy that provides protection for important agricultural lands and soils equal to wetlandsin order to sustain food security.
Fund conservation easement legislation that gives priority to important productive agricultural lands with primsoils or important farmlands. Dedicate greenbelt rollback monies to conservation easements or other
productive agricultural uses within the counties where rollback funds are generated. Enable local conservationdistricts to make recommendations to county commissions related to the use of annual rollback funds.
Provide new monies to the LeRay McAllister Fund to match funds for conservation easements on productiveagricultural lands with prime state or locally-important soils.
Create a separate greenbelt designation for smaller-acreage productive operations.
Amend Utah law to fund mitigation of agriculture lands lost to eminent domain.
Amend Utah law to encourage energy producers to use directional drilling and other techniques to minimize thsurface impacts on agricultural lands caused by energy development.
Provide a $1,000,000 increase in money from the State of Utah General Fund for invasive species mitigation,especially weed control.
Consider other sources of funding for weed control tied to the spread of weed seeds including: funds earnedfrom unclaimed property, trailer licenses, noxious weed impact fees from recreational ATVs, gravel pit feeassessments, a portion of the sportsmen fees gathered by the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and other
appropriate sources.
Provide $1,000,000 of on-going state funding to increase landscape-scale coordinated resource management
planning . Where feasible, this money will facilitate the development of grazing management plans, watering
facilities, fencing improvements, weed control, and other grazing improvement projects.
Augment existing funding or develop alternative funding sources to improve and update irrigation system
technologies.
Enhance the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Depredation program to mitigate crop and other
damages caused by big game to farm and ranch land.
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Increase the capacity of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food to directly participate in the planning ofstate and local infrastructure needs when agricultural lands are an issue.
Work with the Governors Office of Economic Development to improve local processing capacity.
Develop incubator kitchens in each county to provide small agricultural companies places to test new products
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Local
Encourage local governments to recognize the importance of agricultural land uses in their general plans,
policies and ordinances.
Encourage local governments to develop specialized local food security plans that work toward these goals.
Partner with USU Extension, conservation districts, county and city officials, and other interested parties toprovide technical assistance for conservation.
Federal
Encourage the federal government to eliminate subsidies for agriculture-related products diverted from the foodsupply for energy production.
Urge the federal government to allow greater state agricultural environmental stewardship oversight using thetraditional educational and voluntary programs of the USDA, conservation districts, and the Utah Department of
Agriculture and Food as models.
Create federal block grants to fight invasive species on federal and state lands.
Pass a resolution calling on Congress to create a new national agriculture guest worker program.
Support federal legislation to provide funding for improved agriculture irrigation infrastructure.
Call To Action
Under the leadership of UDAF, engage partners, educational institutions, support groups, and others to:
Update the inventory of invasive species in Utah, more clearly define the role of county weed boards in statute,and identify and prioritize weed control measures.
Establish outreach and education campaigns to inform the public about how to minimize the spread of invasive
species.
Improve agricultural product distribution capacity by supporting the existing Utahs Ownprogram to provide:
Incentives and/or legislation to encourage local stores, restaurants, school lunch programs, state agencies,and other public sector services to buy Utah products first, (when available)
A fund to facilitate central distribution points for the purchase of local Utah agricultural products
Promotion of innovative agricultural practices and products in our partnerships with food buying groups,restaurant groups and emerging businesses
Increase the funding and effectiveness of predator control, and allot reasonable and sufficient compensation toagricultural producers for wildlife impacts that may disrupt agricultural production.
Support Utah House Bill 116: an ample, sustainable and legal workforce is critical for our farms and ranches.
Oppose using E-verification to verify worker status until federal guest worker laws are in place.
Work with Utah State University and support groups to develop and implement planning and farm transferprograms that will complement retirement and insurance programs for farmers and ranchers. Support efforts tomatch farmers without identified successors, with young farmers seeking opportunities to purchase or leasefarms or ranches. Encourage the financial community to finance farm ownership transfer.
Work with conservation districts in a statewide effort to map Utah irrigation systems, and educate the generalpublic about the irrigation needs of agriculture and the benefits of well-maintained irrigation delivery systems.
Action Summary ...Continued
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Urbanization in Utah
For hundreds of years, nativepopulations hunted game, gatherednatures bounty, and farmed alongrivers, streams, marshes, wetlands,and lakes.
In the mid 1800s, pioneers began toarrive in Utah. One of the first thingsthese settlers did was dig ditches toprovide water to their land. They grewcrops and raised livestock.
By 1900, 60 percent of Utahspopulation lived in rural areas. As of2010, only 10 percent of thepopulation lived in rural areas.Overall, Utah is one of the moreurbanized states in America.
Unfortunately, urban growth hasoccurred on some of our mostproductive farm land. This is acommon trend across America.During the 1990s, rural land lost to
development in the U.S. totaled about2.2 million acres per year.
In Utah, much of the agriculturallands lost to development were highquality crop lands. If current trendscontinue, the loss of prime andimportant farm land will accelerate
with population increases and will
demand emergency attention.
According to a 2008 GovernorsOffice of Planning and Budgetreport,if current development trendscontinue,by the year 2030 nearly200,000 additional acres of farmlandwill be converted to urban uses.Much of this development will occuron the most productive farmlands incounties along the Wasatch Front.
Change in Farms & Ranches
The number and size of farms andranches has dramatically changed inUtah. From 1900 to 1990, thenumber of Utah farms decreased.Beginning in 1990 the number offarms began to increase again (figure1). The 2011 Utah AgriculturalStatistics report recorded 16,600farms.
Although the number of farms have
increased through the 1990s (figure2), since1997 the size of those farmshas decreased. Twenty years ago,the average size of a Utah farm wasapproximately 200 hundred acreslarger than it is today.
Utah Agricultural History
The average age of farmers continu
to increase nationally and in Utah.Current farmers are aging while stilworking to maintain their lands. Thaverage age of a Utah farmer is 57.Farming is losing its successors asmany children are choosing otheroccupations. It is more difficult nowto transfer the farm to the nextgeneration. Because of high land
Figure 1Number of Utah Farm
Figure 2Size of Utah Farm
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values, regulation, and inheritance
taxes, it has become harder for newfarmers to enter the field and make aprofit. Current farmers are land richand cash poor, and because of this,they often choose to sell their land atthe time of retirement.
Economics
The state of Utah ranks 37th
in thenation in agricultural receipts, withover $1.5 billion in cash receipts fromfarms and ranches:
cattle ($319 million)
dairy products ($301 million)
Utah Agricultural History ...Continued
hay ($261 million)
hogs ($168 million)
poultry/eggs ($140 million)
sheep ($18 million)
Utah also ranks 25th in the UnitedStates in the amount of private landin agricultural use: a total of about11,100,000 acres. Since Utah isprimarily a public lands state,much of our land is used to supportlivestock grazing. Many privateranches in Utah also graze livestockon public grazing allotments. Thisadds an additional 45 million acresto the land in agricultural use.
Utah farming and ranching has agreat impact on the states economy.Agricultural sales account for about$1.5 billion annually. Food growers,processors, and other agriculturerelated businesses employ more than66,000 people and contributeapproximately 14 percent to theStates economy. Grocers are notincluded in these figures.
Equine IndustryHorses were used for farming andranching until the industrialrevolution, when mechanical
Utah farming and ranch-
ing has a great impact onthe states economy. Agri-
cultural sales account for
about $1.5 billion cash
receipts...
Utah Agricultural Statistics
equipment replaced horses for
cultivating and harvesting crops.However, horses are still an importantpart of ranch management. Horses areused on the ranch to herd livestockfrom pasture to pasture. Sometimeshorses are still used in old-fashionedcattle drives over longer distances.
In addition, many people enjoy horsesfor leisure riding, racing, rodeos,cutting competitions, and othersimilar uses.
While official statistics are not kept,the economic impact of the horseindustry and the connection it has toagriculture is far reaching. Veterinaryservices, boarding, feed, equipment,and transportation of horses are allpart of the equine industry.
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1930 (Banner et al, 2009).
In 1929, at the onset of the GreatDepression, wool was selling at thehighest price ever. This trend,however, like everything else in theeconomy, was badly hurt by theeconomic downturn and was senttumbling downward in 1929(Murphy, 1996).Since that time, the sheep industry
has declined by more than 89percent (Banner et al., 2009). Inaddition to declining wool prices,Congress passed the Taylor GrazingAct in 1934 to restore damagedwatersheds and limit grazing. Thesenew measures had significanteffects on the number of sheep inUtah, reducing them by almost onemillion following the passage of thisact. (USU Extension, 2011).
Cattle now Rule
This period of decline in the sheepindustry was followed by growth inthe beef industry, as producersfound themselves switching fromsheep to cattle in order to produce
History of Grazing
Livestock grazing in Utah began withthe arrival of the pioneers in 1847.Livestock production has sinceincreased over the years to parallelterritory and population growth.
By 1890, the range throughout thewest was fully stocked. Heavygrazing on these lands in the earlypart of thetwentieth-centuryleft the rangelands
depleted andwatershedsdamaged.Additionalrepercussionsincluded theerosion of oncefertile soils and anincrease indevastating naturaldisasters, such asfloods, that
occurred largelybecause of bareground created bypoorly managed livestock herds.
It was during this time that the federalgovernment established forestreserves in the form of the NationalForest Service in an effort to try tocurtail overgrazing and harmfulsocietal side-effects. This periodmarked the beginning of the scientific-range-management style that we seeon our lands today (Banner et al.,2009).
Sheep were DominantSheep production was the dominantlivestock sector in Utah at the start ofthe 1900s, reaching a peak of nearlythree million sheep and lambs by
Section 1: Grazing & Public Land
the same profits (Godfrey, 2008). T
number of beef cows in Utah hasnearly doubled since 1920 (Banner al., 2009) to become what is now thdominant sector in Utah agriculture(Godfrey, 2008).
Grazing is changing
In Utah, there are nearly 45 millionacres of grazing land; 73 percent
federally owned, 9 percentstate owned, and 18 percentprivately owned (GOPB,
2011).The largest portion of thisgrazing, done on federal landis currently decreasing. Federgrazing permits are allotted inAnimal Unit Months, or(AUMs). An AUM is theamount of forage required tofeed an animal unit theequivalent of a mature, 1,000pound cow for one month. OnBLM lands, AUMs have
declined from 2,749,000 in1940 to less than 1,000,000AUMs in 2009, a 63 percent
reduction (Banner et al., 2009).
Forest Service lands haveexperienced a similar decline,decreasing from 2.7 million AUMs the 1940s, to 600,000 in 2008. Whithe percentage of forage harvested blivestock on federal lands isdecreasing, the total number ofAUMs in the state has remained
relatively stable over the past 60years (Godfery, 2008). This seemssuggest that an increasing percentagof feed may be coming from private
-owned feed sources.
Utah BLM currently manages
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Section 1: Grazing & Public Land...Continued
approximately 1,400 grazingallotments that cover a 22 million
acre area of BLM land in the State.Many of Utah's BLM grazingallotments are common allotmentswhere more than one permittee isauthorized to use the allotment.Grazing on these allotments isauthorized through the issuance of1,462 grazing permits that provided
for just over 675,000 AUMs in 2008.
Utah's rangeland managementprogram remains focused on
maintaining and improving rangeconditions throughout the state byassessing Utah's Standards forRangeland Health, monitoring rangeconditions, and making necessaryadjustments to livestock management
on public and private land.
Utah citizens, including ranchers,have a great appreciation for vibrant,healthy rangelands and wildlife.However, the age old questions ofwho should bear the costs, and who
receives the benefits from publiclyowned wildlife, often puts adisproportionate burden on theagricultural community. This issue isnot isolated to Utah. In fact, it isamplified in the western states wherethere is a high percentage of publicland. Fortunately, among the westernstates, Utah has been the mostproactive in efforts to resolve this
dilemma thus far.
Frequently, when resources are heldin the public trust, there is an inherentlack of accountability and incentivesto manage those resources at thehighest level. The Perverse Triangleof Incentives (figure 3) graphicallydemonstrates the problem. Wildlifebelong to the public, who has limited
opportunity to manage for thosevalues. The Utah Division of
Wildlife Resources (DWR) has theresponsibility to manage thewildlife, but DWR doesnt own thewildlife or the habitat on which theyare so dependent. Landowners ownthe habitat (in the case of privateland) and as permittees, are the keyplayers in grazing management onpublic land. However, landownershave little opportunity or incentive
to manage for wildlife values.
The Legislature recognized thisissue and created the CooperativeWildlife Management Unit(CWMU) program to provideincentives for large private landowners to manage for wildlife
values. The program has resulted invastly increased huntingopportunities and has mostlyresolved wildlife/rancher conflictson large private land holdings.However, restitution of damages tocrop land is still inadequate. Theprogram, guided by DWR, putsmanagement in the hands of thosemost capable to achieve results andallows these large landowners torecover the cost of production forwildlife. Finding similar programsto provide solutions for smaller
operations has been elusive.
The health of Utahs public andprivate rangeland resources willdepend on our ability to provideincentives to ranchers, who have thegreatest capability/opportunity tomanage the land sustainably. If Utahis to improve the health of its publicand private rangelands/watersheds,the State will need to provideguidance and incentives to achieve ahigh level of grazing management ona large scale. The scientifically
based principles to accomplishimproved management are wellknown, but the technical guidance,social recognition, political will, andfinancial resources to bridge this gapare in short supply. Land owners andpermittees are the boots on theground needed to achieve ecologicsustainability and create wealth from
the land to be sustainable.
Well managed livestock grazing,though poorly understood by the
average citizen, is the most effectiveway to manage vegetation on a largescale to benefit watershed health andpreserve wildlife habitat. Improvinggrazing management on Utahspublic and private rangelands shouldbe viewed as high leverage and along-term priority. A 1998Government Accounting Officereport titled,Forest Service Barriersto Generating Revenue or ReducingCosts, portrays the importance of
economic sustainability on USForest Service Lands anddemonstrates the critical importanceof multiple uses for the lands. Thereport provides good examples for amore capitalistic approach to publicland management based on private
land models.
Figure 3Perverse triangle of incentives
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Confined Animal Production
The industries discussed in this sec-tion include: beef cattle (feedlots) dairy swine chicken and eggs turkey mink
What is Confined Animal Produc-
tion Agriculture?Animal production agriculture refers
to animal feeding operations, or
AFOs. These operations produce largenumbers of animals in a relativelysmall space.
AFO/CAFOAn Animal Feeding Operation is afacility that maintains animals in aconfined space, for a specified period
Section 2: Confined Animal Production Agriculture
of time, in order to ready animals for
market sale. Concentrated AnimalFeeding Operations, or CAFOs, areessentially larger AFOs. The differ-ence between an AFO and a CAFOis the number of animal units withinan operation. An animal unit isequivalent to 1,000 pounds of ani-mals (figure 4). This unit was origi-nally developed to describe a motherbeef cow and her calf, which gener-ally average about 1,000 lbs.
In 2010, the Utah Legislatureamended Utah Code (4-18) to in-clude the Utah Conservation Com-mission as a partner and advisor tothe Utah Department of Environ-mental Quality in regulations relatedto AFOs and CAFOs. The legisla-tion also included language that pro-vided Environmental StewardshipCertificates to agricultural producersexemplifying quality managementpractices. The Utah Conservation
Commission provides oversight forcertification.
Beef (feedlots)Beef cattle finished in feedlots arefed higher percentages of grain.Corn is the main staple used formaximum daily weight gains. As aresult, most calves coming off therange in the fall are shipped out ofstate to areas of the country wherethese sources of feed are more abun-
dant. With escalating energy costs,including transportation, it is becom-ing more economically viable tofinish cattle in Utah. While we dohave feedlots and processing facili-ties in the state, their current capaci-ty is not equal to the amount of cat-tle raised here.
Are you an AFO or a CAFO?
Large CAFO1000+ Beef, heifers, or calves700+ Cows (milking or dry)
125,000+ Layers
55,000+ Turkeys
2,500+ Swine (>55 pounds)10,000+ Swine (55 pounds)3,000-9,999 Swine (< 55 pounds)
3,000-9,999 Sheep150-499 Horses
Small AFO
1-299 Beef, heifers, calves1-199 Cows (Milking or dry)
1-37,499 Layers1-16,499 Turkeys
1-749 Swine (>55 pounds)1-2,999 Swine (
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Dairy
The number of dairies in Utah hasbeen decreasing over the last 40years. In 1970, the number of dairy
farms in Utah was approximately3,800. The Utah Dairy Council re-ported in 2010 that there were 259dairy farms in the state. (figure 5).However, despite the declining num-ber of dairies, the number of milkcows on farms in Utah has actuallyincreased. Consequently, todaysdairies are much larger than they
were in 1970.
Furthermore, the amount of milk eachcow produces has also increased dra-matically. In 1940, the average cowwas producing just over 5,000 poundsof milk per year. A Utah cow in 2010produced more than four times thatamount: an average of 21,000 poundsof milk per year. This statistic indi-cates that the overall amount of milkbeing produced in the state today has
actually increasedcompared to theamount produced in 1970.
SwineThe number of hog farms in Utah hasalso declined over the past 40 years.In 1970, there were 2,000 hog farmsin Utah. By 2007, only 610 farms
remained (figure 6). Hog numbers inthe state have traditionally been vol-
atile. From 1950 to 1990, the num-ber of hogs in Utah declined from84,000 to 33,000. In about the year2000, the number of hogs hadjumped up to 650,000 animals as aresult of the opening of Circle FourFarms in Milford, Utah.
Poultry and Egg ProductionUtah egg production has been stead-ily increasing over the years. Since1960, the average number of henslaying eggs has more than doubledand the eggs per laying hen has alsoincreased; in 1970, there were 271million eggs laid in Utah by2010, the number of eggs laid hadincreased to 920 million (figure 7).
2007- Only610 farmsremaining
Figure 6Number of Utah Hog Farms
The egg market, however, is currentlyundergoing many changes. In additionto traditional production, we nowhave another market of eggs producedby chickens raised in larger cages.Regardless of cage size, it is the priceof eggs that has been the largest deter-mining factor in predicting whicheggs consumers will choose to buy.A recent survey of egg prices in Utahmarkets indicated that eggs producedusing traditional methods cost any-
where between $1.30 to $2.00 perdozen. For the eggs produced usingnew methods with larger cages, thecost varied from $3.50 to $6.00.
Some consumer surveys also indicatethat shoppers are willing to pay higherprices for eggs produced using non-traditional methods. The State of Cali-fornia recently passed a law that re-quires these new methods. Sixty-seven percent of California voters
approved this measure, yet only fivepercent of California consumers actu-ally buy the higher priced eggs.Nonetheless, these changes to eggproduction are still occurring. Ulti-
0100200300400500600
700800900
1,000
1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Total Egg Production in Utah (Millions)
Figure 7Total egg production in Utah
Section 2: Confined Animal Production Agriculture...Continued
(Dairy CouncilJune 2011 meeting 259 operations
remaining)
Figure 5Number of Utah Dairy Farms 1970-2010
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Section 2: Confined Animal Production Agriculture...Continued
mately, it will be the consumers that
have the final say in how eggs areproduced in Utah, based on their pur-chasing habits.
TurkeyUtah is one of the lone turkey produc-ing states in the West. Information onUtah turkey production is limited be-cause there is only one major produc-er, Norbest. There is always a con-cern about sole-source data becauserevealing production figures could
reveal proprietary information.
The Task Force was able to obtaininformation about Turkey productionfrom Sanpete County, Utah, the larg-est turkey producing area in the state.These results showed that SanpeteCounty had 125 producers in 1960that supplied 2.5 million birds to pro-cessing plants. Today in Sanpete, fivemillion birds are supplied to pro-cessing plants from only 47 produc-
ers. Thus, the county now producesdouble the amount of birds with lessthan a third of the producers.
Turkey production in the UnitedStates has grown. In 1975, about 120
million turkeys were produced in the
U.S. By 2007, that number had in-creased to 275 million (figure 8).
MinkIn 2009, Utah was the second largest
mink producer in the US. Yet the
number of mink farms in Utah hasbeen in decline for 40 years. In1970, there were 260 mink farms inUtah, but by 2007 only 65 farmsremained (figure 9).
As in other agricultural in-dustries, mink farms in Utahare increasing in size. In1975, there were approxi-mately 308,000 pelts pro-duced, in 2010, there were
615,000 produced. The aver-age price per pelt has alsoincreased. Recently, theprice has been at an all timehigh. In 1975, mink sold forabout $25 a pelt. By 2010,the price had risen to $65
per pelt.
Federal Regulatory Burdens
There are three main issues regardinthe regulatory burdens on farmers.
Increasing federal regulatory man-dates with a one-size-fits-all ap-proach puts excessive pressure onagricultural businesses.
However, state driven programs thaconnect farm operators with localsupport groups and local regulatoryauthorities allow for greater commu
nication and opportunities to findstreamlined solutions to problems.Cooperative voluntary programs thareward agricultural producers withenvironmental stewardship incentivhave proven to be the most effectivmodels for compliance in Utah.
Every Farm CountsBecause there are fewer farms pro-ducing more animals and products ieach of these segments, the impact
losing even one more farm will begreater than in the past.
Figure 8National turkey production
Figure 9Number of mink fa
Sanpete County Turkeys1960 125 Producers = 2.5 million birdsToday 47 Producers = 5 million birds
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Section 3: Grains, Specialty Row Crops, Fruits & Vegetables
Utah History and Climate
Utah is the second driest state in thenation. The average annualprecipitation in the valleys variesfrom 10 to 15 inches per year. Thelength of the growing season alsovaries, depending mostly onelevation. Our growing season rangesfrom a short season of approximately60 days, to a longer seasonapproaching 190 days. The differentlengths of our growing seasons allowdifferent areas of the state to produce
different agricultural products.
Grain ProductionGrain production including wheat,barley, grass hay and alfalfa, showvery similar trends when compared toother sectors of Utah agriculture. Thetotal acreage under production inthese sectors has declined, however,the totalyield per acre has increased,thus indicating our ability to bettermaximize our output with the given
inputs. When adjusted for inflation,the prices for all commodities in thissector have remained relatively stableover time.
The only anomalies among thesecommodities are those of grass hay
and alfalfa. Both show a slight
increase in number of acres underproduction (figure 10). This reflectsthe amount of grass hay and alfalfaexported out of our state. In fact, 99percent of all hay exported out ofthe country comesfrom Utah,California, Idaho,Washington,Nevada, Oregon,and Arizona(NAFA, 2008).
Additionally, earlyestimates for 2011show that hayprices are rising inUtah. The pricesare projected toreach $180 a ton.Many farmers arealready receivingupwards of $230-250 a ton for their
hay (Merlo, C.2011).
CornMost corn in Utah isproduced as feed or silagefor livestock herds.However, as a nation, wesubsidize the corn marketfor ethanol, a product wedont produce in Utah.The subsidies have
resulted in substantiallyhigher prices for corn andall grains. These higherprices have created anextreme hardship on the
dairy, poultry, and hogindustries. The price of grain is nowtied to the price of oil. The wide
0
200
400
600
800
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Total Hay Acres Harvested in Utah
Figure 10Total acres of hay harvested in Utah
swing in oil prices has created tre-
mendous instability in the productioncosts for our protein farmers. It hasalso resulted in increased meat anddairy prices for consumers.
Fruits and VegetablesThe pioneers brought many differentfruits with them when they settledthe area. The first organized steps togrow fruit in the state came in the1890s with the beginning of the UtahAgricultural Experiment Station atUtah State University; a laboratorythat tested the susceptibility ofgrowth for various fruits. This exper-
imentation soon led to a boom incommercial orchards, and ultimately,surpluses in production.
By 1947, the number of fruit trees inproduction was only half what it wasin 1914 and the industry began tostabilize. Urbanization had pushed
The orange dots on this map show the Farm subsidies through-
out the country. The majority is throughout Iowa, down the Mis-sissippi River, and you can see the three lonely dots in Box Elder
County.
Figure 11Number of farms receiving corn subsidies nationall
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fruit production to the fringes of cit-
ies and caused a rapid erosion of theindustry. By 1970, the fruit industrybegan a revival as growers startedbuying cheaper land outside of urbanareas. Many fruit producers movedand developed land around southernUtah County.
As part of that expansion, weve seensignificant growth in tart cherries andapple trees. They are now two of thelargest fruit crops produced in the
state. Nationally, Utah ranks secondin tart cherry production. Our cherriesare produced primarily for processingand canning.
Utah also ranks high nationally in theproduction of other fruit. We are thirdin production of apricots, eighth insweet cherries, ninth in pears and 18 thin peaches.
Utah County is the states, largest
producer of tree fruit, except apricots.Box Elder County is the second larg-est producer, followed by Weber andDavis. Cache, Washington, Grand,and Emery are the most importantfruit producing counties located out-side the Wasatch Front (Utah HistoryEncyclopedia).
The Green River area produces mostof the melons grown in Utah. Rasp-berries and other berries for directsales and commodity sales are grownmostly in Rich, Cache, and Box Eldercounties.
Most vegetables grown in Utah are
marketed directly to stores or con-
sumers. Onion production in Davisand Weber counties account for theonly significant vegetable commodi-ty production in Utah.
Bees and HoneyWhile there is a growing backyardand urban beekeeper population inthe Beehive State, there are roughly26,000 commercial honey producingcolonies in Utah. Those coloniesproduce 780,000 pounds of honey
annually (Utah Agricultural Statis-tics). Additionally, many Utah beesspend the winter in nearby stateswith warmer climates pollinatingcitrus, berry, flower and vegetablecrops.
Split EstatesWith less than 18 percent of Utahland privately owned, increasingpressure for energy development onfarms and ranches with split estates,where the surface and the mineralestates have different ownership,creates greater potential for conflict.Many of these farms and ranchesproduce hay and grain that requireirrigation. To provide a stable envi-ronment, one which promotes agri-cultural production and protects thefinancial investments on surfaceproperties, while not adversely im-pacting energy development activi-ties, we recommend:
Reasonable accommodation foroil and gas developers shouldinclude accommodation for sur-face rights and investments by
mitigating intrusion. Exercisingdue regard for preservation of tproperty through technology,
such as directional drilling,should also be considered.
Good faith negotiations should rendered between mineral rightand surface rights owners. Oil agas developers should reachagreement to protect surfaceproperty resources and provideadequate compensation for losscrops, surface damages, and losof value to surface owners proerty rights.
An independent mediation pro-cess for conflict resolution shoube provided.
Public policy should provide protection for privately held surface rightthat are at least equal to federal statutes that protect BLM administeredsurface properties, and state statuterelated to privately held surface proerties and SITLA owned mineralrights.
Section 3: Grains, Specialty Row Crops, Fruits & Vegetables...Continued
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Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface
Food Security
Local farming gives us the ability tofeed local people independent fromoutside influences.
The Urban InterfaceThe Urban Interface is the areawhere urban and rural land uses in-termingle and sometimes clash. InUtah, as growth pushes developmentfurther into the countryside, newdevelopment occurs on convertedagricultural lands near urban areas.
Agricultural lands on the urbanfringe play several important roles tonearby communities.
Keep revenues in the local economyIt is estimated that only 20-25 percentof the retail cost from fresh fruit andvegetables is retained by the farmer.The remaining 75-80 percent isfiltered into marketing, transportation,processing, retailing, and otherservices external to the farmer
(Stewart, 2006). Local foodproduction and direct-to-consumersales increase the percentage of profitthat farmers receive and are muchmore efficient for local economies(Schwartz, 2009).
They put the consumer close to the
productAccording to a study commissionedby Envision Utah, 32 percent ofUtahns have lived or worked on a
farm in their lifetimes, yet only threepercent currently live or work on afarm. This study demonstrates thatagriculture close to urban areas canbecome key educational tools to teachfuture generations about the origins of
their food.
The above photograph is a good example of the urban interface. Suburban develop-ment has expanded to meet up with farmland. The absence of major roads and a citycenter suggest that this development represents the urban fringe of this area.
The Urban Interface is
the area where urban and
rural uses intermingle and
sometimes clash.
Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force
Provides local food optionsMany Utahns are looking for locally
-grown produce. For them, eating
local food protects the environment,improves personal health, enhancesthe freshness of the food, and con-tributes to the local economy. Hav-ing agricultural lands close to popu-lation centers is a critical element inserving the need for locally grownfood.
Local Food Production (Direct-to-
Consumer sales)
Farmers MarketsNationally, the number of farmersmarkets increased by 17 percent in2011 (USDA, 2011). Utah also add-ed new markets and new shoppersthis year. Several examples illustrate
the growing popularity of Utah
Farmers markets:
Since 2007, attendance at USUsBotanical Center Farmers Mar-ket saw a nearly 300 percent in-
crease (Olsen, 2011).
The number of vendors at theCache Valley Gardeners Marketwent from about 40 vendors in2006 to about 100 vendors this
year (Huball, 2011).
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Currently, there are 13 farmers
markets in Salt Lake Countytwo of which are new to the
valley this year.
The Downtown Farmers Marketin Salt Lake City that started withfive vendors currently has over300. Regular Saturday attendancenow averages nearly 10,000people. Gross revenues for themarket have increased by over500 percent since 2004 (Farley,
2011).
Community Supported
AgricultureCommunity Supported Agriculture(CSA) programs have also grown. In2004, only four CSAs existed in theState. Today, there are at least 30CSAs (CSA Utah). In a CSA,individuals pay for a share of thefarmers product up front, thussharing the risk of poor yields, and thebenefit of excesses, among
shareholders.
Local Food Production / Local
Economic Benefit
Between 1997 and 2007, direct-to-consumer sales, such as farmersmarkets, rose by 105 percent twotimes faster than total agriculturalsales. At the same time, the numberof farms selling directly to theconsumer increased by 24 percent.Direct to consumer sales is a small,but economically important, sector
of agriculture.
History of Urban Agriculture
Local food production has increasedin popularity in recent years, but, theneed and desire for locally-grownfood is not new. The United Stateshas seen at least six periods whenurban agriculture was an importantsource of local nutrition.
During the recession of the late1800s, school gardens andvacant-lot cultivation began as a
way to save money and improvepublic health.
During WWI reducedagricultural production in
Europe resulted in increaseddemand and higher pricesfor U.S. farm product.Liberty Gardens began asan answer to higher pricesand because local farmproduction was needed to
aid the war effort.
During the GreatDepression, relief gardensestablished by citygovernments provided
opportunities for food and work
The federal government gave o$3 billion to such programsduring the years of 1933 to 193
During WWII, communitygardens provided up to 44 perceof the nations vegetableproduction. The War FoodAdministration created a NationVictory Garden Program to freeup transportation fuels andrailroad cars for war efforts,
produce food for the localpopulation, and preserve finiteresources. In addition, thesevictory gardens were meant toincrease morale by getting peopoutside and connected with theland around them.
During the 1970s Energy Crisiscommunity gardens saw aresurgence when increasingenergy prices caused food costs
rise. This time, gardens werelocally organized by communitthemselves, rather than bygovernment-sponsored programof the Depression and the twoworld wars that had previouslyinstigated such gardens.
Recently, citizens have requesteopportunities to create commungardens and facilitate homeproduction. In response, many
cities have adopted policies toencourage urban agriculture.
As populations urbanize, landvalues also increase. Property tarelief for small acreage urban
Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
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Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
farming helps maintain local food
security.
History of Planning in UtahLand use planning in Utah has existedsince the first permanent settlements.Protecting agricultural lands hasalways been part of these plans. Earlyleaders in the state stressed theimportance of self-reliance and localfood production, often at the expenseof economic successes. TerritorialGovernor, Brigham Young, stated,
The time will come that gold willhold no comparison in value to abushel of wheatGold is not halfas good as the soil from which weraise our wheat, and other necessariesof life(Journal of Discourses, 1:, p.250).
In many ways, planners in Utah arelooking to the past as they plan afuture with an acute focus onrelatively dense community centersand greater emphases on agriculture
and open space in the areassurrounding our urban centers.
Agricultural Land ConversionUtah is a rapidly growing state.According to the latest census, from2000 to 2010, Utah was the nations
third fastest growing state.
In 1960, Utah had fewer than onemillion residents. Today, ourpopulation has reached nearly threemillion people. This growth has been
concentrated along the Wasatch Frontand in Washington County. The areaswith such substantial growth alsonaturally tend to be the mostfavorable climate regions for
agricultural success.
Also by 1960, about 250,000 acres ofland had been developed in Utah. By2008, 750,000 acres in Utah had beendeveloped for non-agricultural uses.It is predicted that by 2030, morethan a million acres of land in Utah
will be developed for urban uses.
The four Wasatch Front countiesWeber, Davis, Salt Lake, Utahdeveloped approximately 135,000
acres of land between 1988 and 2008,and will likely increase the amount ofdeveloped landarea by morethan 160,000acres by 2030.The loss ofthese landswouldsignificantlyimpair theability of these
rapidly growingcounties toprovide for theirfood security.Those fourcounties alongthe Wasatch
Front, where much of the growth is
taking place are uniquely suited forgrowing fruits and vegetables.
In a recent survey of land useplanners in Utah, most respondentsestimated that a substantial amount ofviable, working agricultural lands intheir communities would be gonewithin 50 years. Planners are notalone in these fears. As a part of a1998 Earth Day event, severalmembers of Future Farmers of
America submitted essays about openspace and future land uses. TheDeseret News reported that acommon theme among the essayswas ...fear that there will be no land[for them] to farm in thefuture (Spangler, 1998). Currently,96 percent of the orchards in Utah arein the rapidly urbanizing WasatchFront counties or WashingtonCounty. These are the only areas ofthe state that can produce consistent,
high yields of fruit. These counties
Urban Growth
1988
2008
2030
Source: GOPB
Irrigated
Non-Irrigated
Sub-Irrigated
Urban
Water
Figure 12Growth in Salt Lake and Utah counties 19882030 (projected)
In many ways, planners in
Utah are looking to the past
as they plan a future with an
acute focus on relatively
dense community centers
and a greater emphasis on
agriculture and open
space...
Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force
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combined will add nearly 1.8 million
more people to Utah by 2050.
Agriculture Sustainability and Food
SecurityWhat does sustainable mean? Onedefinition is: capable of beingsustained using a resource so thatthe resource is not depleted orpermanently damaged (Merriam-Webster). This definition isappropriate, yet, it is also important tothink about sustainability as, being
capable ofsustaining. This definitionis implied because the purpose ofagriculture is to sustain life byproviding the food and fiber necessary
for human existence.
Planning for Agriculture
The most basic needs of humankind
are food, water, and shelter. Without
them, life, society, and economies
cease to exist. Currently, communities
plan for water and shelter, but few
local governments plan for food.
When planners in Utah were asked
which of these three elements their
general plans considered, 94 percent
of respondents said they planned for
future housing needs, 75 percent said
they planned for future water needs,
and less than 10 percent said they
considered future food requirements.
The consequences of not planning foragriculture are serious. According to
researchers at the University of Utah,
the life-span of a house is about 150
years (Nelson, 2009). Once prime
agriculture lands have been paved
over, the opportunity to farm is lost
for generations and the resource
itself is actually gone. So too, is the
ease we once had in our ability to
feed ourselves from our own land. In
the same way that we are largely
dependent upon foreign oil sources
for our transportation needs, we may
become increasingly dependent upon
outside sources of food for our
nutrition needs.
Our food security depends on this
ability to plan for agricultural
production.
On the left, a subdivision in Perry, Utah, is surrounded by fruit orchards in the mid-
1990s. By 2006 (right), development has almost completely filled in the existing or-chards.
Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
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Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
Supply and Demand
The demand for food will increase
with the population. By 2050, the
U.S. is projected to grow by 100
million people. During that same
time, the earths population will
increase by three billion people. Only
the countries of India and Pakistan are
expected to have larger growth rates.
Population increases are a
significant concern as they
clearly impact our natural
resources and food supply
very closely. With limited
food, fuel, energy, and fiber,
also comes increased global
competition for these same
resources. As the demand for
these necessities rises, the
supply will decrease. The
result will be an increased
price of food. Up to 80
percent of the retail cost of
fruit and
vegetables isrelated to
transportation,
processing, and
marketing. The
further our food
has to travel, the
greater the
impact fuel costs
will have on the
price of the food.
The reverse is
also true.
Food Security
Utah probably does better than most
states in encouraging self-reliance
and emergency preparation. As such,
we would do well in a short-term,
localized, disaster. However, in the
event of a global crisis, such as
prolonged war, disease, energyshortage, or economic hardship,
69% of the acreage in orchards is located in UtahCounty
Utah County is projected to add 700,000 residents by2050
96% of orchards in Utah are in rapidly urbanizingcounties
Upper Jordan River Watershed (Utah Lake)
Figure 13Increased growth in Utah County vs. decreased land in orchards
could Utah grow enough to feed
itself? This scenario is not withoutprecedent. During World War II, the
United States grew approximately 44
percent of its food locally in victory
gardens. However, since then, Utah
has added over two million residents
and has converted hundreds of
thousands of acres of agricultural
lands to urban uses. To help answer
the question of how well the State
would fare if it had to rely on locally-
produced food, Mr. Martin Esplin, a
Utah State University graduate
student, looked at what Utah
currently produces compared to our
nutritional requirements.
Utahs Production vs. Utahs
Nutritional Need
The purpose of this study was to
compare Utahs agriculturalproduction to its nutritional needs to
answer the question:
Does Utah produce enough food to
feed its population?
Historically, Utahns had to sustain
themselves with local production.
Now, produce can be transported
thousands of miles to reach our
tables, a convenience that leads us to
be less dependent on products grown
locally. Because of the affordability
and ease of transporting food, people
are blessed with a great variety of
agricultural products throughout the
year. In this situation, one might ask,
Figure 17Business Week, February 2010Buying local not only supports local agriculture but keepsmoney in the local communityhttp://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htm
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_09/b4168057813351.htm -
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why worry about food origin? If the
stability we presently enjoy were
threatened by economic instability,
political crisis, or natural disaster, the
transportation of food could be
interrupted. If this were to happen,
local supplies would become
extremely important. Even without
future crisis, the rising cost of fuel will
affect the transportation of food and
the price that we pay for it.
What are the nutritional needs of
Utahns?
USDA standards offered at the
website choosemyplate.comprovide
information about individual servings
needed, sorted by age and gender. An
average of these categories was used
to calculate the amount of food needed
to feed an individual for a day in each
of the five basic food groups. This
number, multiplied by the population
of the state, was used to determinehow much food Utah needs to feed its
population for a day. Then that
number was multiplied by 365 days to
calculate the food required to feed
Utah citizens for a year.
The 2010 Utah Agricultural Statistics
and Utah Department of Agriculture
and Food Annual Report provided
information on how much food Utah
produces. The study compared the
states consumption with the reported
production. The comparison for each
of the five catego-
riesgrains,
dairy, meat/
protein, vegeta-
bles, and fruitis
explained in the
following para-
graphs.
Dairy
This study com-
puted dairy con-
sumption as milk
only. The recommendation from
USDA is an average of three 8 oz.
servings per day per person. This av
erage was used to
calculate our dairy needs. Utah has
comfortable surplus of milk produc
tion to meet its nutritional needs in
this category (figure 14).
Meat/Protein
In this study, meat is used as the so
source of protein. Products such as
soy, nuts, and beans are not abunda
enough to be considered significant
protein sources.
The sources of meat in the report ar
beef, pork, lamb, poultry, eggs, and
trout. Most Utah cattle ranches are
cow-calf operations. Cattle are ofte
sold out of state for finishing, and a
not included in the calculation of
Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
Figure 14Dairy production vs. consumption
Figure 15Meat production vs. consump
Lbs. of protein/y
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Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
available protein sources. However,
we produce a lot more cattle than we
process. The study methodology in-
ventoried cattle processed in Utah and
includes animals brought in from out-
side sources.
Actual meat production in Utah indi-
cates we produce
slightly less pro-
tein than we con-
sume.
Produced protein
totals in 2010 were
estimated to be
610,343,150
pounds of eggs,
chicken, lamb,
pork, beef and tur-
key combined. For
that same year
Utahns consumed an
estimated
665,336,217 pounds of protein from
the same sources (figure 15).
Beef production totals are three per-
cent less than the consumption rate of
Utahns. It is important to note that
public and private lands are used to
sustain the beef industry.
Healthy rangelands and watershedsare an important factor in maintaining
the livestock industry in Utah.
Grain
Utah produces a number of grains.
Our wheat is primarily grown for hu-
man consumption. Other grains,
such as barley, oats, and corn, are
reserved for animal feed. In 2009,
Utahs grain needs exceeded Utahs
wheat production by a small margin
(figure 16).
Vegetables
The amount of
vegetables pro-
duced in Utah is
not available in
the 2010 Utah
Agricultural Sta-
tistics report.
Utah doespro-
duce vegetables,but the amounts
are only collect-
ed every five
years. Based on
past data, we do
Figure 16Wheat production vs. consumption
not commercially grow nearly as
many vegetables as we consume. In
the case of vegetables and fruits, the-
se essential parts of human nutrition
can only be grown in certain parts of
Utah where the climate is favorable.
However, these are also the areas
where most growth in our state is
occurring. As our population grows
and prime lands for vegetable pro-
duction are developed, the gap be-
tween how much we grow and howmuch we consume will continue to
increase.
Fruit
Utah is second in the nation for theproduction of tart cherries. Otherfruits produced in Utah are apples,sweet cherries, peaches, and apricots.Utah produces roughly 10 percent ofthe fruit it needs (figure 17). Utahsclimate and elevation limit the places
where fruit can be grown commer-
Figure 17Fruit production vs. consumption
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Section 4: Food SecurityUrban Interface...Continued
Advertising locally grown Utah produce in a local grocery store, 2011.
Photo by Evan Curtis
cially. Unfortunately, these areas are
also the most threatened by develop-ment.
Utahs farmlands are a precious com-modities. They are critical for Utahsagricultural self-reliance. Rates ofagricultural productivity have in-creased over time, meaning farmershave been able to maintain produc-tion levels with less land. But, thistrend cannot be sustained very farinto the future. Once agricultural
land is converted for other uses it islost forever.
Further research is needed to estab-lish the amount of land required tosupport our food independence.Clearly though, we need to protectsome farm lands to ensure local foodproduction while also accommodat-ing the demands of development inorder to meet the needs of Utahsgrowing population.
It is clear from this study that Utahfarmers and ranchers currently do notproduce enough food overall and inmost individual sectors to feed ourpopulation. In all agricultural lands,and especially the prime fruit andvegetable growing soils along theWasatch Front, every acre counts.Policies need to be developed to helpprotect these valuable resources.However, often times current poli-
cies actually work against protectingfarmland.
Eminent Domain Issues:
The West Davis Corridor
Metropolitan areas along the Wa-satch Front have added transporta-tion pressures as the population hasincreased. Transportation corridors
have historically taken agriculturalproperties through eminent domain,a legal seizure of private propertyfor public good. The approval of anadditional corridor is currently pro-ceeding through the National Envi-ronmental Policy Act (NEPA) pro-cess. This example shows, onceagain, that our most valuable farm-land and prime soil may be lost totransportation and developmentsimply because it is the path of least
resistance.
Davis and Weber counties havesome of the best soils available inUtah. They are home to a unique
micro-climate that is better suited thanywhere else in the state for growimany high-value vegetable crops.Many of these vegetables are grown
on 62 Century Farms in the area. Utneeds every possible acre of theselands to maintain a critical mass tosustain agriculture along the Wasatcfront. Where food security issues arconcerned, the protection of primeagricultural lands should be given aleast the same or higher consideratias other lands by federal agencies, tState of Utah, and its political subdvisions. It is important to conservethese lands for our food security
needs.
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As the Utah Agriculture Sustainability
Task Force, we focus on eight issueareas and work to develop strategiesand actions for all eight of these cate-gories.The issue areas are:
Food Security
Invasive Species (includingweeds)
Grazing Improvement
Immigration
Urban Agriculture
Agriculture Promotion and Profit-ability
Next Generation Farms (youngfarmers)
Irrigation Infrastructure
Food SecurityWe propose that the Utah State Leg-islature make the following state-ment: Prime and unique agriculturallands and soils are the most importantlands for sustaining human life. Thevalue of these lands surpasses thevalue of wetlands, lands that arehome to sensitive species, and nearly
every other conceivable use, andshould be reserved for our food secu-rity needs.
We propose introducing and fundingconservation easement legislationthat gives priority to important pro-
Appendix I: Issues Overview
Prime and unique agri-
cultural lands and soils
are the most important
lands for sustaining life.
Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force
ductive agricultural lands with prime
soils.We propose legislation to create aseparate greenbelt designation forsmaller-acreage productive opera-tions.
We propose legislation to dedicategreenbelt rollback monies to conser-vation easements or other productiveagricultural uses within the countywhere rollback funds are generated,and to enable local conservation dis-
tricts to make recommendations tocounty commissions related to theuse of these annual rollback funds.
We propose that the legislature pro-vide new monies to the LeRayMcAllister fund to match funds foragricultural conservation easementsthat give priority to important pro-ductive agricultural lands with primeor locally important soils.
We propose that the legislature, theLeague of Cities and Towns, the As-sociation of Counties, and other in-terested parties work to create localzoning options that recognize theimportance of agriculture for the citi-zens of Utah and protect agriculturalland uses from unwanted encroach-ments. We also propose that localgovernments develop specializedlocal food security plans to worktoward these goals.
We propose Utah law be amended tocreate requirements that fund offsetreplacement of lost agriculturallands. We further propose a legisla-tive policy that develops equity be-tween current wetland protection and
these new agricultural protection
laws.To accomplish these tasks, we willincrease the capacity of the Utah De-partment of Agriculture and Food toassist directly in the planning ofstate and local agricultural preserva-tion processes.
We propose that Utah law be amend-ed to encourage energy producers towork with the owners of surfacerights on split estates to minimize
lost agricultural production. We alsoencourage the use of directional drill-ing and other techniques to minimizethe impacts on agricultural lands.
We will work with our federal coun-terparts to promote food security bydeveloping a statement that urges thefederal government to eliminate sub-sidies for agricultural products usedin energy production.
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We also propose a statement urging
federal adoption of state environmen-tal stewardship oversight.
Invasive Species (including weeds)The spread of invasive species is an-other critical agricultural issue ad-dressed by the Task Force.
We propose improvements in the in-ventory of invasive species in Utahby more clearly defining the role ofcounty weed boards in statute, and by
identifying and prioritizing weed con-trol measures. We propose that theState Legislature provide a$1,000,000 increase in weed controlfunding from the States general fundin order to accomplish this.
Because motor vehicle use, hiking,camping, and other activities, oftenspread weed seeds, the Task Forcealso recommends that the legislaturelook at other sources of funds includ-
ing: the money earned from un-claimed property, licensed trailers,noxious weed impact fees from recre-ational ATVs, gravel pit fee assess-ments, collection of a portion of thesportsmen fees gathered from theUtah Department of Natural Re-sources, and money gleaned fromsubmittal of requests to create federal
block grants to fight invasive species
on federal and state lands. We alsosupport the work of the DupontHealthy Habitat Coalition in promot-ing these block grants.
In addition to asking for funding tomitigate damage from invasive spe-cies, we propose the establishmentof a public outreach and educationcampaign to educate the public onhow to stop the spread of invasivespecies.
Grazing ImprovementWe propose a continuation of recentsuccesses in grazing managementprograms by providing $1,000,000of on-going state funding to the UtahDepartment of Agriculture and Foodto increase coordinated resourcemanagement planning at a largescale. Where feasible, this moneywill facilitate the development ofgrazing management plans at a land-
scape level, and will support thefunding of watering facilities, fenc-ing improvement, weed control tocomplete these landscape-scale graz-ing improvement plans, and mainte-nance and increased managementcosts.
Landscape level management re-quires both grazers and browsers onthe range. Cattle and elk are grazers;sheep and deer are browsers. Range
conditions can improve if the popu-lations of mule deer and sheep areincreased on many Utah ranges. Toinsure better health of both wildlifeand livestock herds, we propose anincrease in the funding and effective-ness of predator control, and an al-lotment of reasonable and sufficient
Appendix I: Issues Overview...Continued
compensation to agricultural produc
ers for natural wildlife impacts thatmay disrupt agricultural production,especially of sheep.
ImmigrationWe support Utah house Bill 116 be-cause an ample, sustainable and legaworkforce is the key to sustaining ofarms and ranches.
We propose that the Utah Legislaturpass a resolution calling on Congres
to create a national agriculture guestworker program. We oppose E-verification until federal guest worklaws are in place.
Urban AgricultureThe Utah Department of Agricultureand Food (UDAF) will work with local governments to create or improvurban and backyard agriculture-friendly zoning ordinances.
We will also encourage state and loc
governments to use vacant govern-ment-owned land as small-plot agri-culture areas to increase the accessi-bility of agriculture in our increasingly urban settings.
We propose the monetary support ofarmers markets and Community
We support Utah house
Bill 116 because an am-
ple, sustainable and legal
workforce is key to sus-
taining our farms and
ranches.
Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force
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Supported Agriculture (CSA) promo-
tion programs to strengthen the con-nection between farmers and the pub-lic via advertising and the direct ex-change that occurs in these settings.
We also propose the funding of start-up agribusinesses by providing finan-cial support to small-scale agricultur-al operations for infrastructure whichhelp them develop new products andbusiness opportunities.A specialist at the UDAF will be as-
signed to help with new agricultureoperations, navigate licensing andfood safety requirements, and educatestart-up businesses about the im-portance of networking and market-ing opportunities in these ventures.
Agriculture Promotion and Profita-
bilityWe propose improving local pro-cessing capacity by working with theGovernors Office of Economic De-
velopment to support processing fa-cilities in all sectors of agriculture.We recognize the need to increasecull cow processing facilities.
We also propose developing incuba-tor kitchens in each county to providesmall-scale agricultural start-up pro-cessing businesses with a place to testnew products.
We propose improving agricultural
product distribution capacity by sup-porting the existing Utahs Ownpro-gram to provide incentives for localstores when local products are boughtand advertised first. This helps to cre-ate incentives and/or legislation toencourage school lunch programs,state agencies, and other public sector
services, to buy Utah products first
(when available). We encourage thecreation and funding of central dis-
tribution pointsfor the purchaseof local Utahagriculturalproducts, andwe plan to pro-mote innovativeagricultural
practices and products in our part-nerships with food buying groups,
restaurant groups and emergingbusinesses.
Next Generation Farms (young
farmers)We support additional coordinationwith Utah State University (USU)and other agricultural supportgroups to develop and implementbusiness planning and farm transferprograms that will complement re-tirement and insurance programs for
current farmers and ranchers.
We support efforts to match farmerswithout identified successors withtheir younger counterparts who areseeking opportunities to purchase orlease farms or ranches. We also en-courage the financial community to
Appendix I: Issues Overview...Continued
We propose improvinglocal processing capacity
by working with the Gov-
ernors Office of Econom-
ic Development to support
processing facilities in all
sectors of agriculture.
Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force
finance farm ownership transfer.
Irrigation InfrastructureWe propose that UDAF work withconservation districts in a statewideeffort to map irrigation systems.
We support educating the publicabout the irrigation needs of agricul-ture and the benefits of well-maintained irrigation delivery sys-tems. We propose that the legislatureaugment existing funding or develop
alternative funding sources to im-prove and update irrigation systemsand technologies.
The Task Force recommends that thelegislature work with the Utah Con-gressional delegation to support legis-lation to provide funding for im-proved water infrastructure.
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Goal: Ensure the protection of Utahs critical farmlands by working with local, state and federal partner
STRATEGIES:
Develop a policy statement that increases our commitment to food security by maintaining our prime agricul-
tural land base for local food producon
Preserve farmland through easements
Balance zoning between development and agriculture, including a policy for the transferring of development
rights
Create migaon process for agriculture land taken by eminent domain
Increase urban and backyard farming
Inuence federal legislaon to provide for energy and environmental stewardship
ACTIONS/TASKS:
Devise food security legislaon
o Determine what kind of statement would be needed in State law (Food Security Act) to elevate prime
farmland (conicts with wetlands) for food producon?
Promote locally produced food
Include legislave statement: Nothing is more important than prime agriculture soils. These
lands surpass the value of wetlands, invasive species, sensive species, etc. Easements
o Provide increased funding for agricultural easements to those who would like to take advantage of the
program
o Develop soluons to implement term easement opons
Support range of easement term opons
o Modify greenbelt designaon and rollback tax laws
o Develop agricultural land preservaon criteria that idenes and maintains local agricultural capacity
and decision making by idenfying:
Prime and unique soils
Agricultural lands in areas of moderate climate condions
Agricultural lands with adequate water availability
At-risk industry-specic agricultural producon
Local program administraon and oversight
Issue: Food Security
Appendix II: Issues (strategies, actions/tasks, and outcomes)
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o Easement legislaon should include:
Priority given to important producve agricultural lands, and prime or important soils
Funding:
Dedicang rollback monies or other producve agricultural uses to conservaon ease-
ments in that county (e.g. insucient funds for easements) (class of county)
Recommendaon that the legislature fund the LeRay McAllister fund
Governance
Support local Conservaon Districts and make recommendaons to County Commission to approve such rec-
ommendaons
Advocate local zoning
o Work with local governments to educate them about zoning opons (Santaquin City example)
o Develop policy for local food security plans
Produce eminent domain migaon
o Require funding for oset replacement of lost agricultural land
o Develop legislave policy that develops equity between wetland protecon laws and agricultural pro-
tecon laws
o Increase capacity of UDAF to contribute to state and local planning processes
Encourage urban and backyard farming
o Promote local ordinances that encourage urban farming
Inuence federal legislaon
o Eliminate subsidies for food products used for energy producon
Deliver proposed statement to Federal government
o Promote State Environmental Stewardship oversight, thus reducing federal environmental mandates
o Protect agricultural interests related to split estates (impacts of oil producon on farmland)
Provide statement to consider producon that is lost
Ombudsman help:
When possible, work around agricultural properes (direconal drilling)
Support legislave eorts
OUTCOMES :
Outcomes related to farmland protecon include increasing local and state capacity to preserve and protect
crical agricultural land for the producon of food in the face of a rapidly increasing populaon.
Issue: Food Security ...Continued
Appendix II: Issues (strategies, actions/tasks, and outcomes)
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Goal: More effective coordination for weed control on public and private lands
STRATEGIES:
Improve the inventory of invasive species in Utah
Increase funding sources for invasive species management
Devise public outreach campaign
Promote federal legislaon related to invasive species control
ACTIONS/TASKS: Improve weed inventory
o More clearly dene county weed boards (statutory claricaons)
Conservaon District Board involvement
o Idenfy and priorize weed control measures
Consider funding invasive species management
o Increase state funding for invasive species control by $1 million from the general fund (mix of ongoing
and one-me)
o Consider other possible State funding sources:
Money from unclaimed property
Licensed trailers
Noxious weed impact fee on recreaonal ATV/vehicles
Gravel pits
DWR/DNR (sportsmen fees)
Ask for federal block grant funding to ght invasive species, especially related to Federal lands
Dupont Healthy Habitat Coalionstate block grants
Create public outreach campaign
o Appropriate state funding for a Quagga Mussel-style public educaon campaign
o Give priority to organizaons that include volunteerism
Insgate federal invasive species control
o Lobby for State Farm Bill to block invasive species grants
o Coordinate with federal agencies to increase invasive species control eorts
OUTCOMES :
Outcomes related to invasive species include increasing weed control, improving watershed health, and increas
ing forage quality and quanty for the livestock and wildlife of Utah.
Issue: Invasive Species, including weeds
Appendix II: Issues (strategies, actions/tasks, and outcomes)
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Issue: Grazing Improvement
Goal: Improve grazing management strategies and infrastructure that enhance landscapeand watershed health, and improve sustainable production on public and private lands
STRATEGIES:
Promote proven, science-based grazing management strategies, especially at landscape scale
o Help bridge the nancial gap to implement watershed scale management improvement projects and allow it
to become economically sustainable in the future
Work with partners to incenvize the balance between grazers and browsers
o Grazers: cale, elk
o Browsers: sheep, goats, deer
Promote/support Utahs livestock industry as the economic mainstay for rural communies
ACTIONS/TASKS:
Appropriate $1 million of on-going legislave monies to fund grazing management (Coordinated Resource Manage-
ment planning)
o Increase funds, and leadership to enhance locally driven, large-scale,Coordinated Resource
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