Our federal farm policy work focuses on the issues and programs that will help save America's best working lands and improve the economic viability of farms and ranches across the nation.

Federal farm stewardship and environmental programs
AFT works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to expand participation in the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights, facilitates new and increased state and local spending for conservation easements and provides incentives for states and localities to target funds to important agricultural areas.

We also work on other programs such as the Conservation Security Program (CSP)—a program that rewards farmers and ranchers for producing the highest levels of environmental and conservation benefits on their working lands. more

Testimony
As the national voice of farmland conservation, AFT has been called upon numerous times to give testimony before Congress and before the U.S. Department of Agriculture on pending legislation and rules changes. more

Federal Updates
The federal policy process is often complex and fast-moving. Updates on the policy process will help keep you informed. more

Capitol Hill Basics
Background on the legislative process by which the 2007 Farm Bill and other agriculture laws are passed. more