Drawing on decades of pioneering leadership at the intersection of agriculture and the environment, AFT has a vision for a resilient agricultural future in which:
- America’s agricultural land base is secure.
- Farmers and landowners have the resources they need to permanently protect their land from development.
- Producers operate thriving, viable businesses while feeding their communities nutritious food.
- Farmers and ranchers are recognized and rewarded not just for the food, feed, fiber, and fuel they produce, but also for the environmental benefits they provide.
- A diverse new generation can afford to purchase farmland, build wealth, and contribute to a productive food system.
- Producers and service providers benefit from easier access to government programs and technical assistance.
To achieve this vision, we need YOU to join us in advocating for forward-thinking programs and policies and bold congressional leadership. The 2023 Farm Bill represents our best chance to address the challenges our farmers and ranchers face, and chart a course to this more resilient farm economy and food system.
health, and even farm profitability. Farm Bill conservation programs provide cost share and technical assistance (TA) to help producers implement these practices, but these programs often need more funding and staff to address service gaps and fulfill demand. More must be done to equitably scale up long-term adoption of conservation and climate-smart practices by farmer-leaders, and to set up systems of support to help others build the same resilience.
investments in programs that directly support both retiring and aspiring farmers in succession and estate planning, farm transfer, and farmland access and ownership. USDA is a key partner in scaling up successful state and local models that can facilitate land transition and open the door for next generation farmers.