|
American Farmland Trust is working to stop the loss of productive farmland and promote farming practices that lead to a healthy environment. Contact us for more information on what AFT's New York office can do to help protect farmland in New York state.
What's New
 |
Photo Credit:
Dietrich C. Gehring |
Thirty-six conservation groups, farm organizations, local governments and others across the Northeast have joined together requesting that Congress and the Obama administration take quick action to address the crisis facing dairy farmers. Dairy farmers in the Northeast and around the country are facing severe and prolonged low milk prices—prices that are well below the farmers’ costs of production. This sustained price slump has caused the loss of some dairy farms already and threatens the future of thousands more in the Northeast.
The small town of Hoosick, located in Rensselaer County, New York, sent a message on behalf of rural communities last week by passing a resolution urging President Barack Obama and the United States Congress to increase federal support for dairy farmers who have been hit hard by rock bottom milk prices. “People have no idea how hard dairy farmers are struggling,” says Eric Sheffer, a Hoosick dairy farmer. “In Rensselaer County alone four dairy farms have gone out of business in the last six months. It is really stressful but we can’t let up now.”
Focus on New York
|
| Photo Courtesy of:
Barbara Johnston,
Stewart Brown & Associates |
Preserving farmland and open space in the town of Parma is of high importance. In 2008, the town was one of the first in New York state to pursue a $25,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop a municipal agricultural and farmland protection plan. In March, the town became the first in New York to submit its plan for approval by the commissioner of agriculture.
Farms can produce fresh, local foods and renewable energy—while adding to the character of a community and the health of the environment. On March 25th in farmland supporters gathered in Syracuse for a one-day conference that helped participants understand the benefits generated by local farms and how towns and counties can take action to support local farmers and protect farmland.
New York State Policy
 New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently announced $313,750 in funding to help 14 towns develop local agricultural and farmland protection plans. “Communities around the state are recognizing the need to proactively plan a future for farms,” said David Haight, New York Director of American Farmland Trust. For more information about the program, and to see which communities were funded in Round III, visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets web site.
FederAl Farm Policy and The farm bill: what’s in it for New York?
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.
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.
|
|
|
