food production
farm and $19,000 per acre. The average selling price for a single-family home in Concord is over $700,000 (CLRP 31), (2007 Census of Agriculture). According to the Comprehensive Long Range Plan, “rising land prices threaten open land, natural resources, agriculture, [and] historic and cultural assets” (42). The lack of affordable land and housing are obstacles that are often insurmountable for new farmers, especially if these farmers are not inheriting land from the current farm owners (Esseks et al.). However, some farmers have devised creative solutions for access to land, such as farming on town-owned conservation lands (see Gaining Ground, page 33) or in the Minute Man National Historical park (see First Root Farm, page 87). AGRICULTURAL LAND VALUES IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY Total market value of farmland and buildings = $908,000 Average value of farmland per acre = $19,000
small-Scale Food Production
In light of a renewed focus on local food in the Northeast and the rise in food prices nationally (USDA), there is a growing number of home-scale growers in the town. While no inventory of food production on parcels under two acres has yet been conducted (Catterton), there has been a growth in home-scale livestock raising over the past few years (White). Figures from Concord’s Board of Health for the number of non-commercial animal operations inspected in 2011 indicate that chickens, geese, ducks, goats, guinea hens, and turkeys are the most popular among homeowners (White).
A young farmer taking a rest after a long day of haying.
CHALLENGES FOR YOUNG AND BEGINNING FARMERS According to a 2011 national study, lack of capital and land access were identified as the biggest challenges faced by young and beginning American farmers (followed by health care, access to credit, business planning and marketing skills, profitable markets, and education and training) (Shute, 20).
Concord’s three community gardens—East Quarter Farm, Hugh Cargill, and Cousin’s Field—which total over 100 plots, all have long waiting lists (Catterton). There are opportunities for more community gardens throughout the town—such as the town-owned land at the Harrington House in West Concord and other unused parcels with good agricultural soils (Catterton).
Community Food system Assessment
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