American Farmland Trust: Issues&Programs

America is losing 1.2 million acres of farmland annually, much of it the best and most productive farmland near where most Americans live.

American Farmland Trust is committed to protecting the nation's best farm and ranch land and improving the economic viability of agriculture. During the past 28 years, AFT helped to stimulate the creation of 27 state-level farmland protection programs, as well as countless local ordinances and programs that give landowners the tools they need to keep their land in farming. We've been the catalyst for unprecedented levels of funding for federal programs that protect farmland and improve the environment.

AFT works with federal, state and local leaders and communities to develop legislation, implement policies and execute programs that keep farmers on their land and protect our environment.

2008 Farm Bill
AFT embarked on an ambitious campaign to strengthen the future of American agriculture by transforming U.S. farm and food policy in the 2008 Farm Bill. Our work continues in implementation and related legislation.

Agriculture and the Environment
AFT is working with farmers and policy makers to combat climate change, protect our water quality and support environmentally responsible farming practices on America's farm and ranch land.

Farmland Protection
Why is it so important to save farm and ranch land? America's agricultural land—and the benefits it provides for our communities—is at risk.

Local Farms and Food
As unwise development strips farmland from local communities, many parts of America are becoming more dependent on food that travels from thousands of miles away. AFT is working to protect farms to ensure we always have access to fresh, locally grown food—after all, it's not local food without local farmland.

State Issues & Programs
Our field offices help states and communities pass farmland protection policy initiatives and advance our work on local foods and protecting the environment. AFT empowers local leaders and farmland protection activists throughout the country.

Steward of the Land Award
The annual $10,000 award honors farmer and conservationist Peggy McGrath Rockefeller, who cared deeply about the conservation of our nation's farm and ranch land.