Passionate about local foods? Interested in the environment? American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a national nonprofit organization working to protect farm and ranch land, enhance local food systems, promote environmentally responsible farming practices and keep agriculture thriving in America. http://www.farmland.org Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:42:36 -0400 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:41:45 -0400 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com Welcome to the March edition of E-news. In this issue: read about how a new farmland protection program in Wisconsin is helping the state be economically sustainable, learn how local food could lead to cleaner water, and see how we plan to scale-up conservation in the Chesapeake Bay. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2009/march.asp E-news A1EA7D45-A6C8-4222-BFBD-8226A4EBD3A4 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:41:45 -0400 The Pioneers in Conservation program makes salmon recovery grants available for farms that develop projects that save salmon while also strengthening the farm or forest business. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/PioneersinConservation.asp Press Release 14F950BE-211B-43CB-ADC3-21A2AE1C6E75 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:54:39 -0400 AFT will assist town officials in helping to decide and develop farmland protection strategies appropriate for their community. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AFTConnecticutTechnicalAssistance.asp Press Release 3A55EA2A-C05B-4671-AB59-AE18A7648BD4 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:34:31 -0500 American Farmland Trust (AFT) President Jon Scholl extends congratulations to Dr. Kathleen Merrigan on her nomination today as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/Kathleen-Merrigan-Nomination-to-USDA-Undersecretary.asp Press Release 483B07B0-142D-434E-AA68-FEAEBFAFBCA1 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:34:06 -0500 The Board of Directors of American Farmland Trust (AFT) has unanimously elected John D. Hardin, Jr., of Indiana to serve a three-year term as director. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/JohnHardinPressRelease.asp Press Release 791644EE-0B5B-4649-9B00-75C2F808A33B Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:33:44 -0500 AFT applauds Wisconsin Gov. James Doyle for acting decisively to protect Wisconsin's working lands in the state’s biennial budget. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/WisconsinGovernorPraiseforWorkingLands.asp Press Release 371BAA6C-0FCD-4DD1-A794-F690F63BD5B6 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:33:06 -0500 In response to The Washington Post's recent articles on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, this letter has been submitted to the editors and is currently under consideration. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/VilsackLettertotheWashingtonPost.asp Press Release 8A32DB25-E2A6-4F4B-901D-04105F52B524 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:32:15 -0500 “American Farmland Trust is helping farmers and communities work together to meet the burgeoning demand for local food,” says Julia Freedgood, managing director of the Growing Local campaign. “We applaud Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack for bringing a new level of interest in local food to the USDA, and we support his premise that we don’t have adequate infrastructure or distribution capacity to support the demand for local food in the United States.” http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/Vilsack-Local-Food-Interest.asp Press Release 616FFAAB-3F0A-45CF-9EDA-D046D0D039B8 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:31:23 -0500 Just hours after President Obama’s inauguration, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as the new Secretary of Agriculture. During his confirmation hearing, Sec. Vilsack pledged to endorse local food economies and to help farmers diversify their income through renewable energy, organic farming and similar endeavors. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/policyUpdate/2009/January.asp Press Release 0EC2A65D-E81D-4E8D-9F27-2B794CCFA98C Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:30:56 -0500 Welcome to your February edition of E-news! In this issue, find out what the 2007 Agriculture Census tells us about the farm-to-consumer relationship. Learn what our insiders say about the potential for climate change legislation this spring, get the bird's eye view of a regional food system in Burlington County, and take action for better farm, food and environmental policy in 2009! http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2009/February.asp E-news A5ED02FD-B05E-417E-AE2E-B79FC55245D5 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:30:07 -0500 Happy New Year! In this issue of E-news, join 10 Pennsylvania farmers in protecting clean water by calculating your nitrogen footprint, learn about the issues facing farms on the urban edge, find out what makes Pennsylvania one of the top states in the country for farmland protection, and learn how you can help define sustainability. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2009/February.asp E-news E824F1A6-AE2B-4531-A9FC-203E49CBEF6B Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:27:59 -0500 Welcome to the February edition of Farm Fresh News. This month is we reflect back on our Agrarian roots and are refreshed for a new year! First we start with the potential for a regional CSA to feed 50,000 people. Then we view one family's dream to redesign White House landscaping. And the first hint of spring makes some want to get their hands dirty for that summer garden. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2009/February.asp Farm Fresh News E57AEC26-92D6-48CA-8D52-8630C99FE00B Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:18:52 -0500 AFT President John Scholl notes that the nationwide declince in land in farms "comes at time when there is much discussion about the importance of agriculture and agricultural land in meeting some of the biggest food, fiber, energy and ecosystem challenges our nation faces.” http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AFTCommentsonDeclineinLandinFarms.asp Press Release F38DBA08-7025-4074-8C5F-278ABB05B44D Thu, 5 Feb 2009 12:26:41 -0500 American Farmland Trust has issued nine farm and food policy recommendations to help guide the Obama administration towards implementing a progressive farm, food, energy and environment agenda. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AmericanFarmlandTrustReleases9for09FarmandFoodPolicyRecommendationsfortheObamaAdministr.asp Press Release AD136D3B-BBB2-46DF-9955-C7C20B5953D7 Thu, 5 Feb 2009 12:23:19 -0500 American Farmland Trust believes Governor Paterson has made an inspired choice in selecting Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to fill New York’s vacant Senate seat. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/untitled.asp Press Release CE889A18-5E31-43BE-BA3D-B19CA672119A Thu, 5 Feb 2009 12:25:38 -0500 Rep. Ray LaHood will bring a unique perspective and understanding to the transportation and infrastructure needs of rural America and agriculture, says AFT president John Scholl. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/RepresentativeRayLaHoodNominatedasSecretaryofTransportation.asp Press Release {4cb4bd51-757e-508-6aa6-187c931dae46} Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:47:26 +0000 Welcome to the December edition of Farm Fresh News. This month we start, as many good things do, with a song: O Tannenbaum. Next we have a story about the amazing friendship of cows and birds. Then join us in making farm and food resolutions for 2009, dig into a farm fresh recipe, and, finally, send your warm wishes to friends and family with one of our e-cards! http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2008/december.asp Farm Fresh News {f6f7264b-431e-b4dd-c727-9a124c1333d} Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:46:39 +0000 The USDA's new Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets will help agriculture address two of the nation's most pressing environmental challenges: water quality and climate change. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AFTWelcomesUSDAAnnouncementofNewOfficeofEcosysytemServicesandMarkets.asp Press Release {31111296-e026-8908-507-fea5d8891c87} Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:34:40 +0000 Proposed New York state budget cuts would severely hurt farmland conservation programs that benefit all New Yorkers, said AFT's New York director David Haight. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/NewYorkStateBudgetCuts.asp Press Releases {649b53b0-ee95-b471-b9c2-304c5deda32} Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:33:40 +0000 The new secretary can count on AFT's support as he addresses the enormous issues that confront agriculture. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AmericanFarmlandTrustLaudsNominationofGov.VilsackasSecretaryofAgriculture.asp Press Release {46ca40e-ebb2-ed02-205e-c412cac0bdec} Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:55 +0000 AFT looks forward to continuing our relationship with Sen. Ken Salazar. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/FormerAFTPresidentsAdvisoryCouncilMemberSalazarNominatedSecretaryofInterior.asp Press Release {918bb9ad-1d41-d603-714a-9e82b3aab734} Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:14 +0000 AFT is looking forward to working with the new administration. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AFTApplaudsPresident-electObamasEnergyandEnvironmentCabinetNominations.asp Press Release {7d72ea9d-29b4-a799-a9ab-a72df01dfc97} Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:56:10 +0000 AFT applauds President-elect Obama on his willingness to seek more effective and efficient agricultural programs and policies, such as ACRE. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/PresidentElectObamaToutsBudgetReformSlatesFarmPaymentsforReview.asp Press Release {3774dae8-1e70-aa09-bd27-1c3bb6a5f25d} Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:10:28 +0000 AFT says now is not the time for New York Governor Paterson's proposed 40% reductions to working lands conservation programs. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/NewYorkBudgetCuts.asp Press Release {75102331-8d27-3578-6d47-46ffed355b11} Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:09:09 +0000 Happy Holidays; we wish you the best this season and hope that you enjoy this issue of e-news packed with the latest on saving farmland, “Growing Local” for a brighter future, and farming for a cleaner environment. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/december.asp E-news {c1cbbf0b-e423-2c3-ddc7-3b7814a3545c} Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:07:34 +0000 AFT's Working Lands Alliance coalition has brought together leaders from around Connecticut to honor those individuals who have been instrumental in farmland protection and to plan for even greater success in the coming year. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/LeadersConvenetoDiscusstheFutureofConnecticutsValuableandVanishingFarmland.asp Press Release {69a7dd9a-bf73-4365-bb54-f802f7f68434} Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:39:19 +0000 AFT welcomes a new staff member to the development team. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AFTAddsLenDoranAsDirectorofMajorGifts.asp Press Release {255055bc-abde-32e7-da8d-5ef20c9be55} Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:12:21 +0000 AFT welcomes a new staff member to the finance team. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AFTAddsJasonRitzAsDirectorofFinance.asp Press Release {5625296b-df98-b48d-2e76-d3cc9fbe7421} Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:11:22 +0000 AFT says now is not the time for New York Governor Paterson's proposed 40% reductions to working lands conservation programs. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/NewYorkBudgetCuts.asp Press Release {f7369c38-c1a-213b-5fac-fafc3658fbf0} Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:38:31 +0000 AFT looks forward to working with the Obama administration to promote the economic viability of our farms, decrease agriculture's carbon footprint, and enhance our nation’s water quality. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/CongratulationsPresident-ElectObamaAmericaHasanHistoricOpportunitytoShapeFarmandFoodPol.asp Press Release {ff368483-ad07-1c2f-badf-f9cb4f2718d8} Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:37:33 +0000 Ohio voters approve new fund to enable farm families to protect their land and plan for the future of their farms. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/OhioVotersApprovetheCleanOhioBondFund.asp Press Release {14d085d9-87c9-72e8-b548-e0e46d86b56c} Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:36:46 +0000 Welcome to this special November edition of American Farmland Trust's monthly E-news. Join us as we unveil our new strategy for working with farmers and communities for a cleaner environment, strong farm-to-community connections and protected farmland. Watch the videos featuring our Growing Local and Agriculture & Environment campaign directors explaining their visions and plans. Help usher in the next administration by voting for your farm and food policy priorities. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/november.asp E-news {4237a5a5-a7de-b65e-2863-c38339e2fffd} Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:00:35 +0000 Welcome to the November Special Issue of Farm Policy Update. In this issue vote to rank your priorities for farm and food policy in the next administration, the latest on farm bill budget Allocations, ACRE, the mystery of purple false brome and more. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/policyUpdate/2008/november.asp Farm Policy Update {cdde252b-8259-e5c9-dfbd-271d733b49c} Wed, 5 Nov 2008 21:50:58 +0000 This opinion by American Farmland Trust President Jon Scholl is under consideration by The New York Times, in response to Michael Pollan's recent piece--a letter to our country's next president about farm and food issues which should be on his agenda. AFT suggests tools already at hand, and makes recommendations to the next President. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/2008/ToolsforthefarmerinchiefNYT.asp Press Release {d0f844dd-53aa-3174-665a-74766de22257} Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:12:20 +0000 This past Sunday The New York Times ran an article by Michael Pollan titled Farmer in Chief—a letter to our next President of the United States that recognizes the central importance of farmland to our society, economy and environment. By writing such a thought-provoking piece, Mr. Pollan has everyone talking about the important issues that are central to our mission and our work! http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2008/special-announcement.asp Special Announcement {cffbb777-9539-51b9-46f5-5bcb8608404b} Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:23:35 +0000 Farmers and small forest landowners across Washington state are eligible for Pioneers in Conservation grants. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/101008nrWAPioneers.asp Press Release {5df59c96-ac02-c0c6-ade6-c7cc87cc412f} Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:26:40 +0000 AFT and partners have released a new free guide to help communities plan for agriculture and protect farmland. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/CTPforAgnr100808.asp Press Release {af5be16e-13c2-ebfd-65e0-d41ec663eced} Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:25:44 +0000 Mary J. Ray and Kate Greiner have joined the staff of American Farmland Trust (AFT) as the new director of foundation relations and associate director of major gifts, respectively. Farmers and conservationists founded AFT in 1980 to work with communities and individuals to protect land, plan for agriculture and keep the land healthy. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/100808MaryandKateJoinAFT.asp Press Release {af0fe6bb-ce5b-43da-7102-aeb963b5132e} Thu, 9 Oct 2008 21:25:34 +0000 Welcome to the October edition of American Farmland Trust's monthly E-newsletter, featuring the latest on farm and ranch land protection, agriculture and the environment, planning for agriculture, local food and more. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/october.asp E-news {ae8af379-3c28-c13a-5691-af22a13b96c} Thu, 9 Oct 2008 21:24:09 +0000 Welcome to AFT's September Issue of Farm Policy Update. Sign on to the Farmer’s Plank Petition to fulfill the farm bill's promise and we’ll send your voice to the winning party in November! http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/policyUpdate/2008/september.asp Farm Policy Update {6274ffc1-ea7c-c92c-d6bf-5017388357ae} Thu, 9 Oct 2008 21:23:21 +0000 Concertgoers at Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic! on Sept. 20, will have the opportunity to learn how to spread the No Farms, No Food message and be entered to win special prizes. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AmericanFarmlandTrustNews-PressReleases-AFTFeaturesInteractiveDisplayatFarmAid2008.asp Press Release {362c5a7-98e1-9c58-5a01-ad67f8f9e1d5} Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:29:08 +0000 Welcome to the September edition of American Farmland Trust's monthly E-newsletter, featuring the latest on farm and ranch land protection, agriculture and the environment, planning for agriculture, local food and more. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/september.asp E-news {49861783-b8e8-2f83-58dd-f344b387501} Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:13:12 +0000 Could a major international city such as San Francisco feed itself with local food from farms and ranches within 100 miles of its iconic Golden Gate Bridge? Look to AFT's new coauthored study "Think Globally-Eat Locally: San Francisco Foodshed Assessment" for the answer. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/SanFrancisco-Foodshed-Study.asp Press Release {f1bfb53e-4fcb-c7ef-dcfb-3986f652579e} Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:16:40 +0000 In response to the President's proposed cuts to conservation, local foods and other programs in the 2009 federal budget, AFT is asking Congress to stick with funding levels negotiated during the 2008 Farm Bill. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/2008/080608nr09BudgetAxed.asp Press Release {7886dec-1f82-dbc8-9b16-155f7372dd06} Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:18:00 +0000 Check out the August edition of Farm Fresh News. In this issue, find out how people are overcoming the landless blues and getting back into the game, how some are managing to grow local and keep their social life, and find out what “Local Food Dude” Chef Tim cooks up for lunch at school. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2008/August.html Farm Fresh News {12a750e6-829c-df28-cd27-a4c1e4ecf554} Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:55:04 +0000 Jon Scholl, American Farmland Trust's new president, has been involved in agriculture for over 25 years. His dedication to the field is evident through his involvement in his family's farm in central Illinois where he grows corn, soybeans and, more recently, wind energy, as well as his years of experience working with agriculture and environmental policy. Watch this video to learn more about American Farmland Trust's new president's background and vision for the organization's future. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4ymdEND2po&feature=user Audio/Video {6362c4e8-13f5-2671-a86b-b7da62c05d17} Fri, 1 Aug 2008 13:42:23 +0000 AFT has sent a letter of thanks to Secretary Schafer regarding his decision on the early release of acreage in the Conservation Reserve Program. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/2008/schafer-CRP-decision.asp Press Release {ae96fbc3-16a4-9bdd-31-c245b27cc595} Fri, 1 Aug 2008 13:26:16 +0000 Nancy Hirshberg, Vice President for Natural Resources for yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm, has been unanimously elected to AFT's Board of Directors for a three-year term. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/070708nrHirschbergfinal.asp Press Release {aed3ddc5-89b4-6437-7210-169529fffa0d} Fri, 1 Aug 2008 13:25:34 +0000 AFT is co-sponsoring this summer's Sustainable Schoolyard exhibit at the US Botanic Gardens in Washington, DC. Come visit by October 13, 2008, it's free! http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/071108USBGSustSchool.asp {e6e227f8-4e1b-8553-68ee-ec7f89b6228b} Fri, 1 Aug 2008 13:27:14 +0000 AFT Welcomes a New President, Finding Ways to Mitigate the Environmental Impacts of Flooding, Farmland Protection Report, Virtual Local Foods Resources and more http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/AmericanFarmlandTrustNewsE-newsJuly2008.asp E-news {43a6458-367d-4294-e137-4af3fc4abf60} Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:31:14 +0000 Welcome to the June edition of Farm Fresh News. In this issue, see how wildlife and native prairie come together in the heart of farmland, discover a farm that grows its food kid-sized, check-out our favorite reads for the summer, and enjoy a perfect corn-off-the-cob recipe for serving to guests at your summer parties. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2008/FarmFreshNews-2008-June.html Farm Fresh News {d6efc09f-559e-1a7d-be84-1c64d1b260fc} Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:26:01 +0000 AFT announces the start of the Campaign for Wisconsin’s Farm & Forest Lands initiative designed to complement the recommendations of the Working Lands Steering Committee convened by Secretary of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/061708nrWiscon.asp Press Release {ebe56348-e74d-fb3-e71c-4a85eedbb1e0} Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:14:30 +0000 AFT's Ralph Grossi and Ron Litterer from the National Corn Growers Association take a careful look at the benefits of the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program and how it provides a better safety net for farmers. Recent criticism of the program overlooks the realities of the savings its market-oriented approach will provide. http://www.farmland.org/news/audiovideo/RonLittererandRalphGrossi05-20-08Wrap.mp3 Latest Farm Bill News {fc9e35d0-8f2e-31f7-388e-3ecef4caa0f6} Thu, 22 May 2008 14:55:09 +0000 Gains in the Farm Bill, Organic Produce and Conservation, Sustainable Schoolyards and more. AFT's monthly E-news features the latest on farm and ranch land protection, environmentally responsible farming, planning for agriculture, local food and more. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/June.asp E-News {c85e2c02-2c5a-70f6-a884-9b331bab6f0f} Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:00:32 +0000 Farm Bill Wraps Up, AFT's Work on Farm Policy Continues. When American Farmland Trust started this farm bill journey in 2005, we set out to create a better, more cost-effective safety net for producers, while expanding programs to strengthen conservation and land protection, advance rural prosperity and create greater access to local and healthy food for consumers. In short, we set out to create a new direction for farm and food policy in the United States: one that better meets the needs of all Americans. Changing course among entrenched farm policy interests is never an easy task. Comparing where we are now to where we were when we started, we have achieved a lot. The breadth of public discourse and increasing awareness about farm and food policy issues cannot be underestimated and is one of the primary successes from this farm bill process. The progress and success of the 2008 Farm Bill can be measured in two ways: 1) Additional funding, improved effectiveness and the creation of new programs to address important priorities; and, 2) The unprecedented involvement and cooperation among previously disengaged stakeholder groups. The political landscape and the public debate have been changed forever. While we may not have fully achieved all our goals, and frustration over subsidies remains, we will continue to work for change in the next farm bill and through other legislation. Overall we remain optimistic that we can build on the achievements of this bill in the future to create even more effective and lasting reforms. Our gains in working lands conservation funding and a better government safety net with the ACRE program are just two examples of steps in the right direction. But our work on the farm bill is not finished. While the legislation lays out what ought to happen, turning the promises into reality still lies ahead. The focus now shifts to developing rules and securing the funds promised in the bill. As we saw with the conservation programs through the life of 2002 Farm Bill, often Congress cuts critical programs during the appropriation process. Without strong advocacy, we risk losing the gains we’ve made. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/policyUpdate/2008/June.asp Farm Policy Update {409a4209-77d-4a5c-3eec-c01e65ef2b6b} Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:00:48 +0000 American Farmland Trust says our nation’s farmers and ranchers can play a major role in helping to address climate change. “Agriculture and forestry producers have the capacity to offset significant amounts of our nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. Sequestration and emissions reductions technologies are widely available now in the agricultural sector that would provide environmental benefits at net cost-savings to society,” says Dennis Nuxoll, director of government relations for American Farmland Trust (AFT). “However,” Nuxoll adds, “American agriculture’s ability to provide these valuable environmental benefits to society hinges upon a climate change regulatory structure that provides adequate incentives for action as well as ensures that regulatory burdens for any action taken are not unreasonable. If properly designed, a functioning cap-and-trade system as proposed in the Senate can unleash the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of American farmers and ranchers toward meeting this great challenge.” AFT is actively working to help craft a greenhouse gas emissions reduction bill that will both improve the environment and allow agricultural producers to provide environmental goods and services. The organization is working with agriculture and conservation groups to identify and suggest improvements to the proposed legislation and will hold workshops with agriculture leaders to further develop policy options, background papers, and alternative approaches to deal with climate change issues through its Agriculture & the Environment Initiative. http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/061108nrClimeChange.asp Press Release {abed8d4d-6136-5278-2d28-32062af8a19a} Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:56:46 +0000 American Farmland Trust is proud to recognize Nash Huber of Nash’s Organic Produce as our 2008 Steward of the Land. The award recognizes Huber for his leadership in protecting agricultural land, local food and the environment. He is the first Washington state farmer to receive the award, which honors the memory of Peggy McGrath Rockefeller, an avid farmer and conservationist who helped found American Farmland Trust. http://www.farmland.org/programs/award/Winners-2008.asp {4b32db47-e268-9153-5ccc-d28f147efb59} Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:53:54 +0000 On May 22nd Congress enacted the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. After a Presidential veto, the House voted 316-108 and the Senate voted 82-13 to overwhelmingly override the veto. The 2008 Farm Bill provides funding to improve our environment, protect farm and ranch land, make local foods more widely available and dramatically increase food assistance for families struggling with rising food costs. Equally as important, it makes real gains in subsidy reform with the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program that fundamentally changes how government support operates. While the final compromise bill does not include all of the reforms we would like to see, it is a significant improvement in U.S. farm and food policy. We will build off these new programs, better policies and increased funding now and in the future. http://www.farmland.org/programs/campaign/bills.asp Latest Farm Bill News {d919b7b8-82e9-be7e-4544-708240f2bdb} Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:49:32 +0000 Check out American Farmland Trust's Flickr account. You can also join our No Farms No Food group. We've sent out millions of bumper stickers and thousands of totebags with the No Farms No Food message. When you spot one take a picture, tag it with No Farms No Food, and upload it to the group! http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanfarmlandtrust/ {c58cc549-2809-b3a6-2762-224f5290d} Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:32:48 +0000 Visit American Farmland Trust's YouTube channel and see all our latest videos on local foods, farmer and rancher perspectives, AFT's work and more. http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericanFarmland Audio/Video {719af494-afbc-bc2d-c261-1e3adda9a8cb} Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:14:58 +0000 Go shopping with a message. With a gift of $35 or more, we’ll send you a No Farms No Food totebag! We’ll put your gift to work educating communities about ways to protect their local farmland and push policy makers for legislation supporting local foods, farmers’ markets and farmland protection across the country. https://secure2.convio.net/aft/site/Donation2?df_id=2600&2600.donation=form1&s_src=rss {c933674a-a5a-6cfe-c3a4-7b06bcf47416} Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:30:13 +0000 In closed door meetings May 7th, Congress wrapped up farm bill negotiations and House and Senate floor votes are expected to take place this week in advance of the May 16th deadline. The bill includes many program improvements and critical funding to improve our environment, make local foods more widely available, protect farm and ranch land, and dramatically increase food assistance for families struggling with rising food costs. We’ve also fought hard for subsidy reform with the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program, and won a victory for inclusion of this new program. A White House veto threat is prompting lawmakers to build support for a veto override—which would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate. While the final compromise bill does not include all the reforms we would like to see, there is no question it is better than the alternative—an extension of current policies. AFT along with over 500 other organizations support the farm bill and agree we must lock in the funding and program improvements we’ve achieved now so we can continue building on them in the future. http://www.farmland.org/programs/campaign/bills.asp Latest Farm Bill News {71cd4606-7d8d-f9e5-cfa7-5ed878f89a} Tue, 13 May 2008 21:22:06 +0000 In this month's E-News: The Dirt on Transfer of Development Rights, Food Policy Councils and Breaking Farm Bill News. AFT's monthly E-news features the latest on farm and ranch land protection, environmentally responsible farming, planning for agriculture, local food and more. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/enews/2008/May.asp E-News {cb044785-8add-c442-e94-352dec812bf6} Thu, 8 May 2008 16:11:18 +0000 Will the Farm Bill Get Passed?, Turning Up the Intensity on Climate Policy, Media Update and more U.S. Farm Policy Update is AFT's monthly electronic newsletter that tracks the progress of the 2008 Farm Bill and features the latest articles, policy reports, research and information. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/policyUpdate/2008/February.htm Farm Policy Update {42d6818-2757-ec2e-acfc-c1492bf3bf7} Tue, 8 Apr 2008 19:56:50 +0000 Pigs Replace Pesticides, Could You Be a Farmer?, Farm Fresh Recipe and more. In this month's Farm Fresh News learn how farmers are reducing pesticides (with pigs!), follow a day in the life of a farmers' market farmer, and help spread the No Farms No Food message with our new totebags. Finally, enjoy a farm fresh recipe from Deborah Madison's new book Local Flavors. http://www.farmland.org/news/newsletters/farmfreshnews/2008/April.html Farm Fresh News {db6f6f7c-8970-ad58-266b-946fce22883c} Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:28:54 +0000 In the Edible Schoolyard program at Martin Luther King Junior Middle School in Berkeley, California, students learn how to grow, harvest and prepare nutritious seasonal produce. Watch the Edible Schoolyard’s Kelsey Siegel as he talks about the importance of teaching children about their food, where it comes from and how to be good stewards of the land. http://www.farmland.org/news/audiovideo/default.asp#thisjustin Audio/Video {9ad616dd-b5a9-b1b5-19e-151923cbabac} Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:54:30 +0000 Watch AFT’s Farmcast Video and listen to what it means to cook with locally grown, organic ingredients for Airlie’s Executive Chef Jeff Whitte. http://www.farmland.org/news/audiovideo/default.asp#thisjustin Audio/Video {bbbc17d0-25d3-b06f-322c-1e1f70811ba5} Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:54:46 +0000