A fourth-generation farmer is fighting to save his farmland from city officials in Farmington who want to buy 0.02 square miles (0.05 square kilometers) to make new soccer fields.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports Alan Bangerter contends there are other parcels where soccer fields could be placed without harming "a productive farm" and is seeking to save his property as an Utah Agricultural Protection Area.
Bangerter's attorney Randall Edwards says an APA designation would protect the property from any future zoning changes and local governments could not exercise the right of eminent domain without exhausting other possible remedies.
Bangerter, who grows and sells fresh green beans, sweet corn and other vegetables at grocery stores and farmers markets, is awaiting a public hearing, which will be held May 1 during a Farmington City Council meeting.
