American Farmland Trust is pushing for policies and programs that uphold Illinois’ rich agricultural legacy while strengthening its future. We work alongside farmers to tackle the environmental and economic challenges they face so that together we can ensure a stronger food system.
Lost from 2010-2022
Predicted to be lost by 2040
Transferred between 2014-2019
Illinois is uniquely positioned — both geographically and by its rich natural resources — to help feed [our country’s/America’s] growing population. 75% of land in Illinois is farmland, and 89% of that farmland is considered prime for production Source Yet this farmland is under threat due to a host of growing development needs such as infrastructure, logistics, housing, and industry.
As of 2022 “If recent trends continue, 363,375 acres of Illinois’s farmland will be paved over, fragmented, or converted to uses that jeopardize agriculture by 2040. That represents an area nearly 2.5 times larger than the City of Chicago and equates to the loss of more than 1,500 farms and 3,400 farm jobs.” (AFT) AFT conducted research and found that agricultural land is most affected in counties experiencing growth
A large amount of development pressureon Illinois’ farmland is concentrated in the state’s northeast corner. The productivity of this strategically located region is not to be underestimated. (FACTOID on Chi production)
Without “smart growth” tools and policies, Illinois stands to lose critical farmland. American Farmland Trust has championed the use of agricultural conservation easements, which allow landowners to permanently protect their land from development threats. These voluntary agreements allow landowners to retain ownership of their land and receive financial benefits under the tax code for limiting non-agricultural activities . The United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) administers the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) which purchases easements from landowners at typically half of the fair market value of the easement. Additional financial benefits can contribute to an improved bottom line for landowners looking to make this commitment.
From this vantage point, I can see an organic cornfield, a prairie strip for pollinators, and a dry dam to prevent erosion. These are examples of how I am taking care of the land.
