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1  Airport sponsors are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment while managing property to achieve financial self-sufficiency. The increasing need to use land for non-aeronautical revenue and decrease operating expenses may generate consid- eration of on-airport farming operations and agricultural leasing. Airport sponsors consid- ering these operations require knowledge and information to weigh the financial benefits against possible liabilities and risks to aviation safety such as potential wildlife attractants and third-party operators. The objective of this synthesis is to compile literature and practices at airports to initiate and manage agricultural operations on airport grounds. The audience for this report is airport sponsors and operators that balance potential revenues with aviation safety and security concerns from on-airport farming. The study methodology concentrated on current practices, motivations, benefits, special conditions, and challenges of allowing agricultural activities on airport property. It also studied current practices of lease agreement development and management, farmland value, and strategies to obtain fair market value determination, as well as various risk factors that airport sponsors must consider when allowing such operations. To determine the various agricultural practices in use at airports, the synthesis reviewed available literature on the subject and surveyed a geographically diverse representation of airports. Twelve direct airport interviews were conducted, and 283 surveys were completed. The synthesis relied heavily on years of experience gained by airport managers and agricul- ture operators for examples of existing programs and procedures with particular attention to effective, innovative, or practical practices in use at small airports. Briefly, some of the findings contained within this synthesis include ⢠Airports of all sizes accommodate agricultural operations nationwide. ⢠Financial benefits may exist for increasing revenues and decreasing maintenance expenses. ⢠FAA guidelines apply and assist managing operations. ⢠Challenges and liabilities may be addressed and managed by a land lease agreement. ⢠Concerns of wildlife, environmental, safety, and security issues exist and require management. ⢠Many resources exist to assist airport sponsors considering agricultural operations. This synthesis of practice is divided into chapters that discuss findings of the study. ⢠Chapters 1 and 2 introduce the scope of the study and data collection effort. ⢠Chapters 3 and 4 present the state of practice and findings on agricultural operations on airport grounds. S U M M A R Y Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds
2 Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds ⢠Chapter 5 discusses findings on management of agricultural operations and risk factors. ⢠Chapter 6 provides a detailed case example on a general agricultural land lease and operation. ⢠Chapter 7 presents a summary of findings and suggested further topic research. ⢠Appendices A through G may assist readers in the development of agricultural programs on airport grounds. Included is a summary of the questionnaire, the survey used for data collection, a list of respondents, and a variety of tools and resources.
