Jerry Cosgrove: Farmland Conservation in North Carolina is an Investment for the Future

NEW YORK, NY, June 11, 2012 (Press-News.org) The green movement is no longer a new initiative in most states across the country, and that includes the southern state of North Carolina. The state, which is expected to host this year's Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, was recently featured in a Bloomberg article for its conservation efforts. Specifically, the article focuses on Land for Tomorrow, a North Carolina organization that is comprised of several concerned groups that seek to improve the state's environment. Associate Director of the Local Economies Project at the New World Foundation, Jerry Cosgrove, agrees with all of the benefits of the local activist group, and hopes that North Carolina will see the long-term impact that land protection could determine.

According to Bloomberg, as of May 14, Land for Tomorrow called upon the North Carolina legislature to designate $800 million towards conservation efforts. If approved, the funding will help protect over 400,000 acres of land, which includes farmland and 1750 miles of waterways. The group has already encouraged protection of nearly 400,000 acres made up of forests, vistas, parks, farms and stream buffers. While the organization fell short of seven benchmarks established in 2005, Land for Tomorrow is still dedicated to improving the quality of life by protecting and encouraging green space.

Jerry Cosgrove is particularly concerned with the agricultural impact these efforts have, as Land for Tomorrow hopes to preserve farmland. Through his work with the Local Economies Project, Cosgrove stresses the importance of local farms in communities to boost regional economies and provide healthy produce to residents. He adds, "Land conservation, especially farmland conservation is one of the best investments for future sustainability that society can make. There will be no sustainable agriculture without farmland."

In the article, Elizabeth Ouzts, director of Environment North Carolina shares a similar sentiment, "To put that in perspective, it's less than one percent of the state's overall budget and a drop in the bucket really in terms of the returns we get for clean water, air, and flood control." And while Senator, Neal Hunt expects there that increase in funding will not be granted, he expresses concern that employers will not find North Carolina desirable if there is low water quality, air quality and high pollution.

Jerry Cosgrove believes that government should not overlook the importance of sustainable environments. He concludes, "Too often we are short-sighted and view conservation as an expense, but it should be viewed as one of the best long term investments around. We need to invest now, before it's too late."

ABOUT:

Jerry Cosgrove is an conservation and agricultural expert who is dedicated to promoting and strengthening local agriculture. Through his work at the New World Foundation, he has become the Associate Director of the Local Economies Project, which aims to boost small and local farms. He is an expert in developing sustainable and workable solutions, especially within the Hudson Valley.

Website: http://jerrycosgrovesite.com