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20 <br /> FINAL DRAFT-5-27-26 <br /> Figure 3. Projected conversion of farmland in Orange County to 2040 (Hunter, 2022; American <br /> Farmland Trust, 2022) <br /> Business 14,300 acres <br /> as Usual <br /> of farmland lost <br /> Runaway <br /> Sprawl 19,900 acres <br /> of farmland lost <br /> 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 <br /> Acres converted <br /> Urban and highly developed 0 Low-density residential <br /> Urban and highly developed(UHD)land use includes commercial,industrial,and moderate-to-high density residential areas. <br /> Low-density residential(LDR)land use includes scattered subdivisions and large-lot housing,which fragment the agricultural land base and limit production. <br /> Box 1.Totten Farm's Story <br /> I have many concerns about the loss of farmland, farming culture and <br /> community. I live in eastern Orange County, and the expansion of houses <br /> and neighborhoods on both forested and agricultural land is <br /> monumental. Last year/was gathering hay a quarter mile from my house. <br /> In the span of nine months there are three houses being built there with a <br /> fourth on the way. On property next to my driveway, there is a house that <br /> went up this month and another on the way. So for me I have to find <br /> another hay source, and deal with increased runoff on my land from <br /> development, which cost me thousands of dollars in new driveway pipe <br /> installation and loss of pasture due to erosion. <br /> Choices have to be made by societies as to what is really important. The <br /> loss of farmland and farmland impacted by development are a reality that <br /> has become a nightmare for many who try to hold on to their land and way <br /> of life. Once it's gone, it's not coming back.... <br /> Billy Totten, Orange County Farmer <br /> We must learn to grow like a tree, not like a fire. <br /> ---Wendell Berry <br /> 18 <br />