American Farmland Trust: Issues & Programs

AFT works closely in Texas with local farmland protection boards, municipalities and conservation groups to provide technical assistance, workshops and other support for farmland protection.

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: www.texaslandtrends.org

Read our policy recommendations for Texas.

Cost of Community Services Study in Hays County, Texas

A In the wide-open spaces of Texas, community growth and development are often welcomed as signs of economic vigor. At first glance, urban development is appreciated for the new money it brings to the local economy. But a closer look shows farms, ranches and open lands actually generate three times more dollars for the county than the county spends on them for public services. On the other hand, revenue from residential lands falls about 25 percent short of covering the costs of the public services they receive. more

Cost of Community Services Study in Bandera County, Texas

New growth hasn't brought new wealth to Bandera County. Although residential land contributes the largest amount of revenue to the county, its net fiscal impact is actually negative. Conversely, ranch and open land in Bandera County generate almost four times more dollars for the county than what the county spends on them. more

Cost of Community Services: The Value of Farmland and Open Spaces in Bexar County

As land use decisions are made, Bexar County must consider both the benefits and the costs of different types of growth. The lure of increased tax revenues promised by new housing can be irresistible, but the net fiscal impact of this growth is actually negative. When residents move in, the county government and school districts are expected to step up their capacity to provide the customary levels of services to these new residents. more