The American Farmland Trust (AFT) is dedicated to safeguarding one of the most valuable resources on earth: farmland. As the nation faces increasing threats to agricultural land from urban development and environmental degradation, AFT’s mission is clear: to help farmers and ranchers protect their land, produce a healthier environment, and build thriving, sustainable communities.
Farmland is disappearing at an alarming rate due to urban expansion, industrial development, and changing land use patterns. The loss of this land poses a direct threat to our food supply and the agricultural communities that depend on it. AFT works with farmers, policymakers, and local organizations to ensure farmland remains in agricultural use. By advocating for farmland preservation through land-use policies, conservation easements, and state-level initiatives, AFT helps farmers keep their land in production rather than succumbing to development pressures.
AFT’s mission goes beyond just preserving farmland; it aims to improve how that land is used. Through initiatives like regenerative agriculture, AFT promotes farming practices that prioritize soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. These sustainable methods not only improve the environment but also create long-term economic benefits for farmers by increasing crop yields, reducing inputs, and making farms more resilient to climate change.
Farmers who adopt sustainable practices, such as cover cropping, reduced pesticide use, and integrated livestock systems, contribute to a healthier planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing carbon sequestration, and preventing soil erosion. AFT supports farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to implement these practices, fostering a new generation of environmentally-conscious stewards of the land.
Farming isn’t just about food—it’s about building strong, self-sustaining communities. AFT believes that local agriculture is key to vibrant rural economies. By supporting local food systems, farmers’ markets, and farm-to-table initiatives, AFT helps communities thrive by keeping money within the local economy and connecting consumers with fresh, locally grown produce.
AFT also advocates for policies that support farmers’ access to land, particularly for young and beginning farmers. As the average age of farmers rises, it’s essential to help new farmers enter the field and continue the agricultural legacy. AFT works to ensure that agricultural land remains affordable and accessible, giving the next generation a chance to cultivate the land and contribute to their communities.
With a clear mission to protect land, promote sustainability, and empower communities, American Farmland Trust continues to make a profound impact on the agricultural landscape. Their efforts ensure that farmland is preserved for future generations, farmers can practice environmentally responsible agriculture, and communities can enjoy the benefits of healthy, local food systems.
By supporting AFT and its initiatives, we can all play a role in safeguarding the future of farming, the environment, and the communities that depend on them.