Texas | American Farmland Trust

Did you know that the state of Texas has been losing more than 360 acres of farmland per day? You have the power to help save our farms and farmland. Support Texas farmers and farmers markets by taking these simple actions:

	Support your local farmers by buying direct at farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs.
	Spread the No Farms No Food® message by requesting a free bumper sticker.
	Be a part of the movement calling for healthy farms, healthy food and healthy communities and donate to help us save the land that sustains us.

Texas Livestock Private Lands, Public Benefits
Incentives for the Stewardship of Texas Agricultural Lands

This guide is for Texans who want to ensure a future for the state’s farms and ranches: landowners who want to conserve, protect and steward their land and its resources; policymakers concerned about the costs to the state of the loss of rural lands; and all Texans who value the many benefits provided by working farms and ranches.

2009 Texas RuRal land trends study

Texas is home to over 142 million acres of private farms, ranches and forestlands, thus leading the nation in land area devoted to privately-owned working lands. Accounting for 84 percent of the state, these rural lands provide significant economic, environmental and recreational benefits. However, these benefits are quickly disappearing. A recent study conducted by the Institute for Renewable Natural Resources at Texas A&M University for American Farmland Trust reveals that Texas lost 2.1 million acres of farms, ranches and forest land between 1997 and 2007. To see the study, go to Texas Land Trends.

Read our policy recommendations for Texas.

Texas Agricultural Land Trust a Reality

Texas Agricultural Land Trust logo Concerned about the accelerated loss of agricultural lands in Texas, leaders of Texas’ statewide agricultural and landowner organizations came together to create the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). Facilitated by American Farmland Trust and modeled on agricultural land trusts in Colorado, Wyoming and California, TALT promotes the conservation of productive private working lands and wildlife habitats. The creation of this new land trust enhances both public and private efforts to conserve Texas’ vital natural resources, and will augment efforts across the state to stem the loss of rural lands.

Contact Blair Fitzsimmons for more information.

what's The value of Agricultural Land to your community?

GROWING LOCAL: CONNECTING FARMS AND FOOD

Every day we are losing important urban-edge farmland that supplies 91% of fruits and 78% of vegetables to the United States. Our Growing Local campaign builds healthy communities by protecting local farm and ranch land and supporting access to fresh, local food.

Contact Us
Bob Wagner
Senior Policy and Program Advisor
800-370-4879
bwagner@farmland.org

To learn more about agriculture in your state, visit the Texas state profile page at the Farmland Information Center.