Deans Mill Farm newest AHD member

Deans Mill Farm and the Dragonfly Equestrian Center have officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the Valenti family, well-wishers and town officials, joining the Agricultural Heritage District in Stonington.

The EDC supported the establishment of Agricultural Heritage District (AHD) master plan tool, adopted December 2016, to protect the viability of the agricultural sector in our Town while attracting tourists in the growing agri-tourism sector.  The first AHD application for Stone Acres Farm was approved in May 2017.  

Connecticut is losing farmland faster than any other state in the country.  Between 1997 and 2002, Connecticut lost more than 12% of its farmland, and the greatest percentage loss occurred in New London county.  The AHD increases flexibility for farm-related uses such as educational programs, artisanal enterprises and markets, and low-impact events, in addition to growing farm-to-table produce.  With the approval of the AHD for Deans Mill Farm in November 2019, the tool has proven successful for ensuring sustainable uses of farmland and preventing further conversion of agricultural lands to residential subdivisions.