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The United States is home to 10% of the planet’s land used or suitable for growing crops—the most of any country on Earth. Yet even here, in what appears to be a vast agricultural landscape, only 18% of the continental U.S. is “Nationally Significant” farmland best suited for sustainable food and crop production.
New data recently released by American Farmland Trust in “Farms Under Threat: The State of the States” found that 11 million acres of agricultural land were paved over, fragmented, or converted to uses that compromise agriculture from 2001-2016. This is equal to 2,000 acres a day, or to the entire amount of U.S. land dedicated to fruit, nuts, and vegetables in 2017.
Committed state action is essential for protecting farmland and ranchland. While municipal and county governments can assess local conditions and address local needs, their resources are limited, and the decisions in neighboring communities can impact entire regions. State policies and funding are critical to strengthening local efforts.
For this reason, we are asking for your help in making sure our farms and ranches are not taken for granted, and that our state leaders prioritize this important resource. This work has been made all the more critical in light of the devastation that the COVID-19 pandemic has done to our nation’s agricultural system and economy.
Included in “Farms Under Threat: The State of the States” is a five-point action plan for how states can proactively ensure a future for agriculture. Please join us in contacting your governor today and asking them to embrace AFT’s state policy recommendations.
The United States is home to 10% of the planet’s arable soils—the most of any country on Earth. Yet even here, in what appears to be a vast agricultural landscape, only 18% of the continental U.S. is “Nationally Significant” farmland best suited for sustainable food and crop production.
New data released recently by American Farmland Trust in “Farms Under Threat: The State of the States” found that 11 million acres of agricultural land were paved over, fragmented, or converted to uses that compromise agriculture from 2001-2016.
While action is also needed at the federal level, committed state action is essential for protecting farmland and ranchland. While municipal and county governments are often in the best position to assess local conditions and address local needs, their resources are limited, and the decisions in neighboring communities can have an impact on entire regions. State policies and funding are critical and strengthen local efforts.
For this reason, we are asking for your help in making sure that we don’t take our farms and ranches for granted and they are priorities for state leaders.
Included in “Farms Under Threat: The State of the States” is a five-point plan for how states can proactively plan for a future for agriculture. Please join us in contacting your governor today and asking them to embrace AFT’s state policy recommendations.
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Give today to American Farmland Trust today and help secure a future for food, farms, and families in your state.
Or, request a free No Farms No Food bumper sticker today!