Warren Farms

 

The removal of farmland from Warren Farms damages the economy two-fold. Primarily, the loss of productive farmland will damage the food supply in that region and disrupt businesses that rely on the farms being operational. Furthermore, the removal of farmland is the removal of a long-term market whereas the construction that will replace it takes years to rebuild the sustainable economy that was once there. This immediate loss of market in that local region could disrupt families significantly. Once again, with the loss of usable farmland, the loss of available food is bound to follow. The area of Virginia that Warren Farms operates in is not a wealthy region which means the increase of food insecurity could have drastic results. Farmers are also unable to change their crops in such a time of question with land seizures. Switching crops can have great results for farmers however, these are long term results and with farms being bought out farmers are unable to plan for these potential consequences.

Finally, there is a significant loss of culture if Warren Farms is sold. Warren Farms is a farm that has been passed throughout the Warren generations and has built that name the reputation it has today. For farmers like the Warrens, cultural meaning far outpaces financial value, Warren states that “[he] wouldn’t sleep for the rest of [his] life, because [his] dad and [his] grandpa are going to be in [his] head.” To conclude, the loss of Warren Farms damages food security, the local economy, and in this case significantly affects cultural heritage. Although the farm is holding out, many homes are planned to be built in neighboring areas and Warren Farms will soon see its end due to lack of support and increasing demand by the government and real estate companies. 

Tipps, Ryan. "Holding onto farmland despite the deep pockets of development." AGDAILY. September 12, 2024. https://www.agdaily.com/insights/holding-onto-farmland-despite-the-deep-pockets-of-development/