Fund national priorities first

American Farmland Trust worked with a coalition of legislators and stakeholders to advance priorities that cross-cut the farm bill to better serve farmers, ranchers, communities and consumers:

Expand conservation and farm and ranch land protection programs.
Currently, 2 out of 3 farmers seeking conservation assistance are turned away due to lack of funds, and our farmland is disappearing at an alarming rate of 2 acres per minute. Better programs are needed.

Transform commodity subsidy programs.
Better apply taxpayer dollars with a more efficient revenue-based program that provides better protection at a lower cost for farmers.

Increase access to healthy and local foods.
Our food travels between 1,500 and 2,500 miles. Local food is fresher, and supports the local economy.

Promote renewable energy.
Renewable energy from agriculture accounts for only 4% of U.S. fuel needs, but could provide up to 30% and serve as a valuable income for rural communities.

Extend nutrition programs to end hunger in America.
35 million Americans do not have all they need to eat. A balanced farm bill will expand benefits and streamline enrollment to reach more Americans in need.

View our timeline for an overview of the farm bill process.

Get the basics

AFT's Farm and Food Policy for All—Farmers, Citizens and Communities