Farmland Work Group

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The Campbell County Farmland Work Group is committed to improving the economic viability of agriculture, developing local programs and policies to protect our productive farmland, and providing education for the public about the values of farmland. Working through partnerships and the Campbell County Comprehensive Plan, the Farmland Work Group will endeavor to guide development to reduce sprawl and protect the inherent natural qualities of our county. 

 The Farmland Work Group was convened in 2003 by the Campbell County Conservation District to explore farmland protection options for the county. A matching grant through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture - Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE) Corporation helped fund a Cost of Community Services Study, Agricultural Industry Profile, and survey of county farmers.

The Farmland Work Group is showcasing our local agribusiness on this self-guided Christmas Farm Shop Hop. Shop locally and show your support! Look for more information in November!

In 2009 the Farmland Work Group started the Backroads Farm Tour. The purpose of the Backroads Farm Tour is to exemplify the importance of agriculture to the community, both economically and socially. These are opportunities to educate the nonagricultural public and county leaders/planners that agriculture is part of the county's economic engine and culture.

The Supervised Agricultural Experience  (SAE) is a project whereby students carry on a project all four years of high school in their agricultural classes. They choose a project in their freshman year and continue to work on it until they graduate. These projects vary depending on the interest of the student. Not all of these students live on a farm and have easy access to livestock, produce, etc. This gives them little to work with when choosing a project that may interest them. To overcome this barrier the Campbell County Conservation Districts Farmland Work Group is working with Campbell County High School Agriculture teachers to assist in their program by attempting to connect the high school students with local farmers, agricultural businesses, and animal based occupations to gain real world work experience in the agriculture field.

 On September 29, the Campbell County Conservation District gathered at Seven Wells Winery with many community members for a Farm to Fork dining experience. Chef Renee Schuler of Eat Well took us on a delicious and memorable journey through Campbell County farmland as each bite brought to mind an image of local producers working to provide quality, ethically raised, and grown products for our guests’ enjoyment. Dinner conversation focused on enhancing awareness of Campbell County agricultural enterprises, Stewardship and Conservation, Access to quality local foods, and current Challenges affecting the Economic viability of  Campbell County Farms. The evening provided guests with a better understanding and appreciation for the assets the Campbell County farming community brings to the table. Working together we can enhance the awareness of our local food network and help ensure our county’s food security, public health, environmental viability, and future vitality. Our mission is to partner with citizens and private landowners as well as other organizations to promote the sustainability of the land, water, and other natural resources by encouraging the use of Best Management Practices. We do this by providing expertise, and financial assistance, and by hosting educational programs.