Town of Parma / Genesee Land Trust Finalize Preservation of the Martin Family Farm
On December 17, 2010, the Town of Parma and the Genesee Land Trust finalized the process to preserve the 114 acre Martin farm on the North East corner of Hilton-Parma Corners Rd. and Burritt Rd. The Town of Parma shall co-own the development rights 50/50 with a strong partner in land preservation, the Genesee Land Trust. Buy purchasing the development rights, the land shall remain farmland for agricultural use forever.
Agriculture has always been a core industry to Parma since it was established as a town in 1808. Today, agriculture is still the leading industry in Parma. The Martin’s are fourth generation farmers on this property and rotate several crops including soybeans, corn, wheat and other vegetables. David Martin recognized that this was the best opportunity to achieve his uncle Dick Martin’s wishes to preserve the farm for perpetuity.
Many of Parma's citizens may remember in early June 2010 there was a referendum asking whether the town should match a Monroe County Green Space Initiative grant to preserve this family farm. By a 3-1 margin, the vote was in favor to have the town match the County grant of $129,500
The agricultural soil in Western NY is considered some the best farming soil in the world and Parma’s partner in this preservation, Genesee Land Trust, is a regional leader in protecting land of all types. Genesee Land Trust not only considers farmland for protection, but many forests, wetlands and open space. They currently protect thousands of acres throughout western NY.
By preserving this farm, Parma also recognizes the importance of preserving farmland and its heritage. In 2007, the Town Board formed the Parma Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee. Since then, the Committee has been laying the building blocks to advise the Town Board in their decisions in matters such as this. In 2009, the Committee completed a Farmland Protection Plan, and was the first town in New York State to have its plan approved by the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The Parma Farmland and Open Space Committee plan to have an on-site dedication in the spring.
"Without local farmland, there is no local food." (AFT) |
