American Farmland Trust: State Programs

Sauk River Ecosystem Services Project Kicks Off

Butterfly and water Environmental incentive markets—new “markets” that help farmers improve the environment while also expanding their sources of income—are emerging for water quality, endangered and threatened species habitat, and renewable fuels. AFT’s Sauk River Ecosystem Services Project will bring new enthusiasm to soil and water conservation by promoting land use Best Management Practices (BMPs) and will establish a "stackable" credit market of water quality trading and carbon trading to fund these BMPs. Not only is it important to promote these best practices from an environmental standpoint but also from an economic standpoint for Minnesota farmers.

The Sauk River is one of the six areas targeted by AFT's Agriculture & Environment campaign to demonstrate agriculture's role in combating climate change and improving water quality. AFT’s Brian Brandt is helping “kick off” the project by leading discussions on the roles and responsibilities of project participants and cooperators.

Conservation efforts on the rise in minnesota

The conservation-based retirement and estate planning education effort is just one example of how farmland protection is moving forward in Minnesota. In 2002, voters in Dakota County approved a referendum that created Minnesota's first county-based purchase of development rights (PDR) program with funding to protect both farmland and natural areas throughout the county. The Dakota County PDR program will allow farmers to continue to keep their land in agriculture while permanently restricting the development of the land.

Federal Farm Policy and the farm bill: what’s in it for Minnesota?

Energy and environmental policies are a priority for President Obama’s Administration. At the heart of these issues lies American farmland. Agriculture can be part of the solution if the correct policies are enacted. Read our 9 for ’09 policy recommendations and ask President Obama to engage agriculture in these critical issues.

What’s in the farm bill and why is it important?
Find out what’s next for the farm bill and how we can make sure the legislation's promises are turned into programs on the ground.
Get an in-depth look at Minnesota's agricultural profile from a state and district level including production and payment information.

The Apple as Planet Earth

Do you know how much of the earth is suitable for farming? Watch this short animated presentation and learn why protecting our farmland is so important.