Llyn Kaimowitz believes there is nothing better in the world than talking to farmers around the kitchen table or on the back of a pickup truck. And she's done a lot of talking and listening over the past year.
Kaimowitz, a consultant specializing in community surveys and assessments and hired by Colchester to study the town's agricultural past, present and future, is close to finishing a 50-page survey of farms. The survey will help to identify agricultural land, inventory parcels and rank them in an effort to preserve the town's remaining agricultural resources.
Since early 2007, Kaimowitz has interviewed 18 of 50 farm owners in town. They have worked on farms ranging in size from 18 acres to 200 acres. She talked with them about their farming activities, problems and plans.
"It was pretty much the same response wherever I went — their concerns were making sure taxes stay in check and getting people to buy their product," Kaimowitz said. "Even though many residents don't think of Connecticut as major farmland, the small and hobby farms are like land banks. Maintaining farms is a way of preserving untainted land. They are holding land for the next generation. They are paying taxes and giving back open space."
Kaimowitz said some early recommendations include helping farmers develop and promote sales of their products, making it easier for farmers to obtain and maintain agricultural tax status, and giving them more assistance in navigating zoning regulations when they want to make changes at their farms.
The study was paid for with a 2006 matching grant from the state Department of Agriculture and is being overseen by Town Planner Adam Turner. Turner said that with the town developing rapidly, it's important to look at the "features that made it what it is."
"We maintain the character when we maintain the economic options of farmers," Turner said. "We are looking to protect the character of the town and enhance the economic benefits those bring. Agriculture and its future is something we want to address comprehensively."
Other possible recommendations include creating a town agricultural advisory commission, identifying areas with prime soils and creating equestrian-friendly parks or developments. Kaimowitz added that it's important to make farmers aware of preservation programs such as conservation easements.
"Farming speaks to the heritage of Colchester," said Chuck Toal, a board member of the Colchester Land Trust. "But our farmland is under pressure for development. Many farmers are financially stressed with high taxes, fuel and operational costs. In addition, the average farm owner in Connecticut is 60 years old, so time and money are not on our side for our farm conservation. We need to prioritize and protect the next generation of farming as an industry."
Agriculture has always played an important role in Colchester, which dates to 1698. Now it will be up to the town to determine just how important its future role will be.
"Farmers are so resourceful," Kaimowitz said. "They are people you want to have around you. ... In spite of the financial risk, the long hours and high costs, they really want to do this. And preserving that way of life should be important to the town."
