The Apple As Planet Earth

Do you know how much of the earth is suitable for farming? Watch the video and learn why protecting our farmland is so important.

	Support your local farmers by buying direct at farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs.
	Spread the No Farms No Food® message by requesting a free bumper sticker.
	Be a part of the movement calling for healthy farms, healthy food and healthy communities and donate to help us save the land that sustains us.

Farming in a Time of Change

In the picturesque North Carolina mountains, farms face a range of pressures. Residential development from vacationers and retirees has rapidly driven up land prices and positioned new neighbors next to traditional farms. The end of the federal tobacco program has created economic uncertainty for many small farmers who relied upon burley tobacco production as the backbone of their agricultural operations. Both the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFP Trust Fund) and the Farm Prosperity Project are working to protect the over 9 million acres of farmland in North Carolina.

a guide for farmers and local governments

Intended as a working document for farmers, planners and county commissioners, our Planning for an Agricultural Future: A Guide for North Carolina Farmers and Local Governments mixes a discussion of existing planning tools with specific examples from North Carolina communities that have developed innovative ways to support the agricultural sector.

Agriculture & Environment: Protecting our natural resources

In collaborating with farmers, environmentalists, and policy makers, our Agriculture and Environment initiative protects water quality and reduces climate change while improving the economic viability of farming.

• Take action to support the BMP Challenge and help farmers decrease nitrogen applications and reduce fertilizer contamination of local watersheds.
• Send an AFT eCard and inspire family and friends to protect the environment.

GROWING LOCAL: CONNECTING FARMS AND FOOD

Every day we are losing important urban-edge farmland that supplies 91% of fruits and 78% of vegetables to the United States. Our Growing Local campaign builds healthy communities by protecting local farm and ranch land and supporting access to fresh, local food.

Contact Us
Bob Wagner
Senior Policy and Program Advisor
800-370-4879
bwagner@farmland.org

To learn more about agriculture in your state, visit the North Carolina state profile page at the Farmland Information Center.