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Committee flags farmland fragmentation, zoning tensions and considers agrivoltaics as support for small farms
Summary
The committee reviewed agricultural goals from the farmland preservation plan, agreed to emphasize minimizing farmland fragmentation (dropping 'lot size reduction' language), debated zoning conflicts with rapid growth areas, and discussed adding agrivoltaics and wind as potential revenue streams for small farms and recruiting the next generation of farmers.
Ashland County’s Planning Committee reviewed the agricultural-resources section of the comprehensive plan on June 16, agreeing to prioritize minimizing land fragmentation and to avoid language seen as conflicting with existing zoning practices in fast-growing towns.
Why it matters: The agricultural goals — to preserve the county’s agricultural land base and support economically sustainable small farms — will shape future policy incentives, easements and potential zoning proposals. Members recommended removing phrasing about "lot size reduction" that could conflict with zoning committee work and local residents’ expectations, and suggested focusing the objective on minimizing fragmentation of agricultural land rather than prescribing lot-size limits.
New topics raised: Committee members proposed assessing agrivoltaics (the combination of solar generation and ongoing agricultural production) and wind as potential income sources to help small farms remain economically viable. "We should be evaluating the potential for agrivoltaics," said a committee member, noting that dual-use solar could provide steady supplemental income to farm operations. Members also emphasized the need to recruit and retain the next generation of farmers, and asked that action steps explicitly include measures for farmer recruitment and support.
Next steps: Staff will align agricultural objectives with the existing 2026 farmland preservation plan and return with clearer objective wording and potential action steps to support small-farm viability, including language on agrivoltaics and renewable-energy options where appropriate.
