Producing one-eighth of all U.S. food and fiber—more than 300 different crops—on just three percent of its farmland, California is the nation’s biggest agricultural producer. It is also the most populous and fastest growing state. This combination presents considerable challenges for farms and farmland.
This year, we worked with partners throughout the state to make significant
Continue reading California: A Year of Progress
This post was originally featured on AgriPulse.com as part of an on-going series of opinion pieces.
We’re a little over a week past the spectacular and unfortunate demise of the Super Committee. As a result, we failed to pass a 2012 Farm Bill as part of that process.
The natural question is “What’s next?”
We must pass a
Continue reading Get Together at the Starting Gate
Young farmers look to historic New Jersey crop: the cranberry
New Jersey cranberries are making a comeback among a young generation of farmers. Rutgers University is trying to increase this growth and other farm trends in the state through its revised agricultural program. The university will also be educating consumers on the value of locally grown
Continue reading Farm and Food News 12/2/11
Thanksgiving is a celebration of bounty, friends and family. It is a time to share gratitude for many things, including the farmers and ranchers that provide the nation with food, fuel and fiber. What often goes unexpressed is the connection between the food on the table and the land necessary to produce it.
Farmland is one
Continue reading From Farm Fields to Holiday Tables
Farm bill progress under wraps
Leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have signaled that they are near complete on a proposed five-year plan for farm and food policy to be added to deficit-reduction recommendations due November 23. If this date is not met then the farm bill moves onto sequestration, meaning automatic reductions
Continue reading Farm and Food News 11/18/11
This is the first in a series of five stories outlining American Farmland Trust’s vision for the 2012 Farm Bill. For more information on our recommendations and positions, please visit www.farmbillfacts.org.
Lately, discussions in the nation’s capital have centered around the looming recommendations from the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, better
Continue reading Seeking Solutions in a Stronger Farm Bill
A place where veterans and nature connect
A restored ranch in Washington state is providing a retreat for nature-loving veterans with disabilities. Thanks to many grants and funding opportunities, including the Wetlands Reserve Program, the protected land is safeguarding wildlife habitat while also providing a place for veterans to enjoy the outdoors.
Addressing farmland loss
Continue reading Farm and Food News 11/11/11
It is an interesting time for agriculture. There is more demand than ever for healthy, fresh, local food. Consumers take more pride than ever in knowing their farmers, considering the seasonality of vegetables and trying new foods. The move toward local food and conscientious consumption is certainly to be commended, but it may not
Continue reading Beyond the Plate
Crafting a smarter farm policy
Three agricultural leaders—Jon Scholl, President of American Farmland Trust; Garry Neimeyer, President of the National Corn Growers Association; and Chandler Goule, Vice President of Government Relations for the National Farmers Union—propose that the current crop insurance program and general farm policy initiatives should be revamped “to craft a smarter
Continue reading Farm and Food News 10/28/11
With farms and food being influencing us each and every day, we have created a quiz to help enhance your knowledge of these topics. See how much you can learn by answering these eight short questions, then impress your family and friends with your new found information. Good luck!
Test Your Farm and Food IQ