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Research Dr. Bergstrom’s current research involves development and application of theory and techniques for natural resource valuation and application to contemporary agricultural, natural resource and environmental issues and policy. Much of this research is conducted in cooperation with federal, state and local agricultural and natural resource management agencies. A focus of this research is measuring the contribution of natural capital in rural areas such as land and water resources on economic development and quality of life. Another major area of research and outreach activities involves rural land valuation, policy and management. In Georgia and throughout much of the U.S., development pressure on land in the urban-rural fringe and rural areas is resulting in increased loss of farmland to development. This loss of farmland represents the loss of a highly valuable asset with multiple values to the people of Georgia and the U.S. Dr. Bergstrom’s research in rural land valuation seeks to quantify the multiple values of farmland including agricultural production values, environmental values and cultural/heritage values. The State of Georgia just recently implemented the Georgia Land Protection Program which provides funds for protecting farmland and other types of green space and open space through conservation easements. Knowing the values of different types of farmland can help state and local officials and private organizations such as land trusts to target the most valuable farmland to protect through conservation easements. Safeguarding the agricultural production, environmental and cultural/heritage benefits of farmland is important for protecting and enhancing agriculture, rural communities and the quality-of-life of all people (urban and rural alike!) whose jobs and income are supported by the agricultural industry and who enjoy the many values and benefits provided to society by farmland and other green space and open space. Impact Statements
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