From Small to Large: America’s farmland shift
The societal shift from small to large farming in the United States is undeniable. As the 20th Century marched forward so did the mass-production methods of agribusiness and the destruction of the small family farm. When the majority of all farm land and water rights in the most productive regions of the nation are held […]
Micro-loan Program Provides Options for Small Farmers
In a report released just before the New Year, the USDA’s Economic Research Service outlined the progress of the micro-loan program. Since 2013, the USDA has been granting small infusions of cash for farmers through the micro-loan program. The ERS report reveals that these loans are indeed going to their targeted group, small farms and […]
Conservation Reserve Program Changes Rules to Make More Land Available
The USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program has made a major rule change to make land more readily available to the next generation of farmers. For the least environmentally sensitive of the land’s included in the program, an early termination option will now be available for aging farm operators looking to pass on their land. The average […]
Take the National Young Farmers Survey!
Every 5 years, the National Young Farmers Coalition puts together a survey to give them better data on the needs, demographics, and policy inclinations of young farmers across the country. They use this data to inform their positions and proposals for the upcoming Farm Bill. With the next Farm Bill coming into play in 2018, […]
Natural Resources Conservation Service Accepting Applications for Conservation Easements
NRCS is now accepting applications for conservation easements for agricultural and wildlife lands through its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. The focus of the program is to preserve critical water resources and wildlife habitat through biodynamic farmland and wildland conservation. Native American Tribes, state and local governments across the country are eligible to participate in this program. […]
Multiple Agencies Dispute Appraisals of Agricultural Land in KY
When purchasing conservation easements on agricultural land, it is not uncommon for local, state, and federal agencies to share the cost burden. In a recent set of conservation easement purchases outside Lexington, KY, these partner agencies disagreed over appraisal prices. While this has not affected the protection of the farmland in question it has affected […]
Iowa Farmer Suggests Conservation Provisions for Crop Insurance
Iowa farmer Mark Peterson is on the front lines of the Mid-West’s sustainable agriculture movement. As a farmer in Stanton, IA he knows what is working for and what is hurting the soil health in popular farming practices. In an op ed to the Des Moines Register, Peterson outlines how a couple key changes to […]
NSAC Ensures Better Loan Access for Farmers through Federal Budget “Anomaly”
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) has won a victory in a trying time in the US Federal Government. Without a comprehensive budget for fiscal year 2017 passed, most funding is stagnated in the continuing resolutions (CRs) the congress passes (temporary budget extensions) to keep the government open until a new budget can be passed […]
EU Conference seeks to crack Land Access Question (LIVE STREAM 12/7)
Land Access is a global problem. Across the globe, producers young and old, land owners, governments and non-profits are seeking the solutions to the ever pressing question: how can we guarantee land to the next generation of farmers? The ECVC, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Greens/EFA Group of the European Parliament is putting […]
Farmland Affordability through Community Land Contribution
In Martin Adams’s new book Land: A New Paradigm for a Thriving World the author tackles the questions about land’s use and values through a plethora of lenses. In chapter 13, Adams delves into the impact of sustainable farming and farm access. Echoing Agrarian Trusts beliefs in land stewardship and the need for a affordable farmland […]