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W <br />s American cities continue to grow, <br />most sprawl out over some of the na- <br />tion's best farmland. Established <br />where fertile land met transportation <br />routes, such as rivers and train lines, <br />cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Los <br />Angeles today include seemingly end- <br />less housing and cominercial subdivi- <br />sions linked by labyrinthian bighway <br />networks —witli scarcely a productive <br />green acre un sight. <br />Contrast those megalopolises to a <br />new breed of city headed by progres- <br />sive planners and residents who view <br />growth as an opportunity to preserve <br />nearby farms and the scenic open <br />space, riparian and wildlife habitat, <br />and, most important, the local food <br />they provide. According to studies by <br />American Farmhand Trust, 86 percent <br />of the nation's fruits and vegetables are <br />grown on the edge of urban areas. <br />Communities in every region of the <br />coumtry are beginning to take progres- <br />sive steps toward planning a future for <br />agriculture. Guidance and technical as- <br />sistance from American Farmland <br />Trust is helping these communities de- <br />velop plans for agriculture to ensure <br />that agriculture is economically viable <br />and environmentally sustainable. <br />Planning Ahead, <br />Planning for Agriculture <br />1 4 A M E R I C A N F A R M L A N D S U M M E R 2 0 0 3 <br />