Agriculture and the Environment

As the single largest user of land and water resources in America, farms and ranches can be a key part of the solution to the nation’s most critical environmental challenges, including water quality and climate change.

Farmers and ranchers want to be good stewards of the land, but they often need help to “grow greener.” American Farmland Trust’s Agriculture & Environment program is working with the nation’s farmers and ranchers to address environmental issues and create sustainable, “green” economic opportunities for agriculture. Our strategy consists of:

• Protecting Water Quality
• Addressing Climate Change
• Finding Solutions
• Implementing Conservation Practices
• Shaping Strong Federal Policies

Here is AFT’s Managing Director, Agriculture and Environment Campaign Jimmy Daukus speaking about the program:

Agriculture and Environment Links

Climate Change:

Farmers Combat Climate Change with Cap and Trade: A Tutorial

Climate Change Myth and Fact (pdf)

New Study! Shows Net Economic Benefits to Agriculture from Clean Energy Legislation

Agriculture’s Opportunities in Clean Energy Legislation: A Webinar

Timeline of the Climate Bill

Water Quality:

Water Quality Trading with Farmers: A Tutorial

AFT’s BMP Challenge

Our Work in the Field:

• California
• Chesapeake Bay
• Ohio River Basin
• Pacific Northwest
• Upper Mississippi Basin