Our watershed projects are models for how farmers and ranchers around the country can save land and water—on a large scale. We help farmers adopt soil health and structural practices that build up the soil; improve its productivity; and reduce water, nutrient, and soil runoff — improving in-stream water quality outcomes.

But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we partner with agricultural trade associations and environmental groups alike, forming a middle ground to find consensus and actionable solutions. When necessary, we bring in outside experts like consultants with in-stream monitoring and watershed modeling skills. We also form diverse partnerships and steering committees that include the right stakeholders from the federal, state, and local levels-–both private and public.

And we never lose sight of the farmers themselves—who need viable options helping the environment but also improving their ability to stay in business and thrive.

AFT works to establish innovative payments for ecosystem services programs that build on early water quality trading markets to help improve water quality.

We are a member of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, a consortium of grower groups, agribusiness companies, brand and retail companies, and representatives of “civil society” that works collaboratively to define, measure, and advance the sustainability of food, fiber, and fuel production in the United States.

As a representative from the civil society sector, AFT is aiming to ensure that farmers are appropriately supported in their adoption of the conservation practices that are desired by companies to satisfy corporate water and climate sustainability goals.

AFT works at all levels of government to improve both water resources & farmer viability. We work with the states, Congress, USDA, and EPA to improve existing programs and policies so farmers get the financial and technical assistance they need to make conservation improvements.

Whether presenting research on the environmental and economic benefits to soil health practices adoption in front of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, to working with local governments in target watersheds, AFT is in the room when discussions are occurring that affect farmers, soil health, and water.