Ag advisory commission endorses Eco Northwest study, flags 38% farmland loss

Members of the Clark County Agricultural Advisory Commission told the County Council in a drafted comment letter that they provided guidance to Eco Northwest and "agree with the core findings of that study."

Commissioners discussed the study’s conclusions and cited a USDA‑census statistic the group referenced during drafting: in the most recent USDA census (2017–2022) the commission summarized that Clark County lost roughly 38% of its farmland, a figure members used to press the case against relying on nearby urbanization as a rationale for de‑designation.

Commission member Mo McKenna read draft language that emphasizes the study’s finding that many high‑quality soils are not currently designated and urged the council to create pathways for voluntary designation for land that meets the study’s criteria. The commission voted to transmit a letter endorsing the study’s findings and asking the council to consider designation pathways.

The endorsement and the cited statistic are intended to provide technical context for the letter the commission adopted and will present at the Oct. 1 hearing.