News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — A committee will convene this summer to take a look how communities of all sizes can attract economic development yet protect prime farmland.

Growth trends in rural, suburban and urban communities, food security issues, factors developers consider and ways communities can overcome issues to attract economic development will be among areas studied.

Often obstacles come from local residents who feel development will take away farmland and alter what the community looks like.

The goal of the task force is provide local officials data and guidance to help make decisions for smart economic growth. This could also help government leaders decide on the right type of land being protected for farming.

The $1.5 billion solar project in Stark and Pulaski counties is on track to be the largest solar plant in the country, on 13,000 acres. The state’s Economic Development Corporation has obtained 9,000 acres in Boone County for the Lebanon Innovation and Research District.

IEDC has stated a majority of companies looking to expand in Indiana want to use clean energy in their projects.

The task force will include lawmakers and representatives from industries including agriculture, business, construction, development, local government, planning, zoning and real estate.

Findings are to be presented to the legislative council by June 30, 2024.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture reports a total of 831,000 acres of farmland has been lost in the state since 1982.