(Loudoun County, VA) -- A Northern Virginia community moves to save farmland after four years of debate. Rebecca Hughes with more.Preview: Voicer Script:
Loudoun County recently passed a zoning change aimed at preserving farmland by preventing developers from building on prime agricultural soil. The measure requires that 70% of the richer soil be set aside for farming and agricultural uses, affecting 705 properties primarily in the western part of the county. While farming advocates see this as an opportunity to support small farms and rebuild a farming community, larger property owners fear it will lead to more subdivisions and less open space. The Washington Post reports the debate over the measure reflects the ongoing tension between development and conservation in the county, with both sides presenting valid concerns about the impact on land values and conservation efforts.