In 1997 he published a discussion paper for the American Farmland Trust on water policy and farmland protection.

The only physicist in Congress, he is an advocate for math and science education, biomedical research, children's health, sustainable energy and farmland protection, as well as social causes such as human rights and women's right to choose.

AFT has completed reports on a variety of issues related to farmland protection in different areas of the United States, the most popular of which is a series of studies called Farming on the Edge.

Partners include national, state and local groups, working on behalf of the environment, historic preservation, social equity, land conservation, neighborhood redevelopment, farmland protection, and labor.

Few responding to the unscientific survey said they wanted to continue in the direction the state was headed, with big lots, no farmland protection and total dependence on cars.

Q. A lot of effort, public and private, has been devoted to farmland protection and preservation.

Mr. Spano said farmland protection serves several purposes.

Topics will include an update of state preservation efforts, legal issues, estate planning, new directions in planning for farmland protection and innovative investment strategies.

Advocates of farmland protection are also pushing for "conservation easements," in which private, state or Federal money could compensate farmers who prohibit development on their land rather than selling out for a retirement nest egg.

The local coalitions of homeowners and conservationists that typically push for farmland protection are interested in providing a range of amenities: open space, scenic views, growth control, maintenance of community character and ecological integrity.