Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds (2022)

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36 Airports across the country address agricultural operations on airport grounds in a variety of ways depending on many factors, including local conditions, need, FAA land use guidance, airport layout and design, operational impacts, availability of suitable land, ability to mitigate risks, and environmental conditions. While many airports choose not to incorporate farming activities, others may allow for this land use and manage concerns through use of land lease, limitations on agricultural uses, or both. Although the motivations for programs may vary, research indicates that airports of all sizes pursuing agricultural land lease initiatives have used a variety of means to balance the benefits and risks to meet the operational and financial needs of their unique facility. An analysis of the data has led to several key findings. Summary of Key Findings General • Airports of all sizes were found to accommodate agricultural operations at their facilities across all FAA regions. • The FAA discourages any land use that may be a wildlife attractant, including agricultural crops, within 5 mi. of an airport. The FAA also recognizes that if the airport has no financial alternative, certain agricultural uses may be compatible. • Many airports choose to avoid agricultural land leases because of land use compatibility issues or associated risk factors. • Airports with agricultural land lease programs support a wide variety of crop types normally consistent with crops typical for the geographical climates and soil types in their region. Motivations and Benefits for Implementing Airport Agricultural Land Lease Program • Airports can benefit from agricultural land use in a variety of ways, including decreased land maintenance costs and increased revenue generation. • Airports acquire land for reasons that include land use safety zoning and reserving space for future airport-compatible land use development. Allowing agricultural use of this land and its benefits are often secondary motivations to the primary concern of control of land use and future development. Agricultural Land Lease Administration • Most airports in the study accommodating farming activities on airport grounds use a short- term land lease. C H A P T E R   7 Summary of Findings

Summary of Findings 37   • Airports that accommodate agricultural uses often use lease provisions that address – Crop restrictions, – Safety procedures, – Special conditions, – Maintenance responsibilities, and – Secondary uses of property. • Many airports interviewed in the study incorporate an escape clause in the land lease that allows the airport to terminate the agreement for any reason. This often includes a provision to compensate the tenant for any lost expenses or crop. • Outside farm management expertise and consultation is an option to assist airports with determining appropriate farmland management practices. Operational Concerns and Challenges • Challenges associated with managing agricultural land lease programs include risk factors such as – Wildlife attractants, – Environmental concerns, – Airport operational safety and security, – Access control, – Crops obstructing airfield line of sight, – Crops obstructing navigational aids, and – Drainage and standing water issues. • Individual airport layout and design criteria, including location of airport safety areas and object-free areas, may not allow for agricultural crop heights or uses. Resources • Resources available to airport sponsors considering agricultural operations on airport grounds include – FAA Airports District Office (ADO), – USDA, – USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), – Local Farm Service Agency (FSA), – Farm Service Extension Offices, and – National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC). Gaps in Knowledge and Suggestions for Further Research During the information-gathering process, a few topics were encountered or mentioned by respondents that may be considered for further research. Timber Chester-Catawba Airport, Chester County, South Carolina, works with the Department of Natural Resources and a forest consultant who manages approximately 500 acres of timber on the airport’s property. When the forest is ready, the consultant works with area logging companies to harvest trees 50 acres at a time. The area is replanted and is estimated to be in a 20-year cycle. Each harvest yields approximately $40,000 and after replanting nets the airport about $30,000 in profit.

38 Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds Another respondent inquired if Christmas tree farms have ever been considered by airports. The thought is they would produce revenue, are restricted in height, and may not be much of a wildlife attractant. Aquaculture Although not part of this study, aquaculture operations (fish/shellfish farms) may be consid- ered an additional wildlife attractant and could be hazardous if located close to adjacent airport property but may provide additional revenue. Hemp/Cannabis One airport in this study explicitly stated cannabis was not allowed as a crop consideration on airport property. The national trend indicates there is increasing interest in these crops and that airports are being approached. The study team attempted to locate any airports with such activity but was unsuccessful. Greenhouses or Community Gardens Greenhouses, especially in northern climates, may be a good use of idle airport property and may eliminate wildlife attractants with such operation. Community gardens may provide a great community outreach program and serve as another good use of idle property. Again, the study team attempted to locate airports engaged in these activities but was unsuccessful. Unmanned Aerial Systems The use of emerging technology such as UAS can be applied in farming operations, providing a geographic information system (GIS) database to identify agricultural uses such as grassland prairie management, or possibly to apply pesticides or herbicides. Impacts of Crop Rotation on Aviation Safety More research is needed to determine the impact of crop rotation when used as part of agri- cultural land use at airports. Crop rotation not only may affect soils and other environmental conditions but also may alter wildlife patterns that could pose a threat to aviation safety. Impacts of Livestock Grazing and Pastures on Airport Grounds A number of airports in the study indicated that areas of airport property were used as pasture for livestock grazing. This type of use may hold similar areas of concern as agricultural land lease for crops from an airport operations and management perspective. The regulatory require- ments, program management, lease arrangements, or specific hazards of livestock grazing were not specifically addressed in this study. Types of Crops Specific to Airport Agricultural Land Lease Programs versus Non-Airport Programs This study gathered information on types of crops located on airport grounds and acreage farmed. While there were many types of crops found at airports, it is unclear as to the prevalence of these types of crops relative to non-airport crops. More research is needed to identify these potential differences and why any such differences may exist.