The competition for land, especially productive agricultural land, will intensify as our population grows. The irreplaceable land that produces our food and provides us with scenic open space, wildlife habitat and clean water is increasingly at risk from urban sprawl and rural subdivisions. To assure a prosperous future, we must save our farmland. Efforts to protect America's farmland begin at the local level, where sprawl threatens community character and endangers fiscal stability. We need high quality farmland to grow food and fiber.
Agriculture also supports local economic stability.
Agriculture contributes to local economies directly through jobs, sales and support services, and by supplying lucrative secondary markets such as food processing and tourism. Saving farmland is an investment in community infrastructure. By 1991, Walla Walla County was required to designate for protection those agricultural lands that are not already characterized by urban growth and that have long-term significance for the production of food or other agricultural products. These include those with prime and unique soils, among other significant farmlands. In addition, while the cities of Walla Walla and College Place have completed their comprehensive plans, which were required to be adopted by 1994, Walla Walla County has not done so, and is out of compliance with GMA planning requirements in general.