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Every year, America loses 1.2 million acres of farmland, much of it our best and most productive farmland near where most Americans live. Nearly 24,000 acres of farmland per year are converted to development in Virginia.
What's new
What if three farmers could neutralize the water pollution caused by 418 suburban homes? That's exactly what the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania farmers enrolled in our BMP Challenge did last year when they prevented more than 5,800 pounds of fertilizer from flowing off their farms into the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation estimates that the average household in the watershed releases 14 pounds of nitrogen into the Chesapeake every year—so each farmer was able to offset the nitrogen pollution footprint of several cul-de-sacs! Plus, thanks to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection's Nutrient Trading Program, the farmers’ efforts generated "certified nutrient trading credits" worth over $4,700, which our Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Jim Baird, donated to the Lancaster Farmland Trust.
On Earth Day 2009, then-candidate for Virginia governor, Bob McDonnell, echoed the incumbent Tim Kaine’s commitment to land conservation by making a campaign pledge to preserve 400,000 acres of Virginia’s open spaces with a focus on farmland. Elsewhere he has mentioned working with the agricultural community to develop programs to promote environmentally sound farming practices. We welcome Governor McDonnell’s early commitment to farms and farmland and look forward to working with his administration to help him carry out these vital efforts to protect Virginia’s farmland and environment.
Project Update
In May 2009, President Barack Obama issued an executive order for a fresh look at the federal government’s role in Chesapeake Bay cleanup. The EPA and four cabinet-level departments draft reports estimate meeting water quality goals will require a 44 percent reduction of nitrogen entering the bay. Agriculture is one of the contributors to pollution in the bay, and reducing run-off while ensuring farms stay in business is no easy task. Fortunately there are some tools that that help farmers improve water quality, while allowing them to keep the farm business alive.
Focus on Virginia
Avid supporters voted the Williamsburg Farmers Market as one of America’s three favorite farmers markets in our 2009 “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets” contest. The seven year old market, set amidst historic buildings from our country’s Colonial era, plays an integral role in its community.
“What better location for a market than just minutes from Jamestown, Virginia, where first settlers landed and grew their own produce to live. Our farmland in this area, as it did when the settlers first landed, continues to produce many varieties of fresh food, which is a requirement of life. Saving farmland is our best source to grow and provide nourishing foods for everybody,” enthuses market supporter Betsy Lacky — and we agree!
Farming leaders in Rappahannock County opened their barn doors to the public as part of Rappahannock Farm Tour Weekend. Attendees toured over 20 sustainable farms producing everything from pasture-fed livestock to some of the choicest wines in the country. They learned how Rappahannock farmers produce delicious food with minimal environmental impact. Other events included a screening of Fresh, an "All Things Rappahannock" farmers market, and Jim Baird, AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Director, explaining why the Earth is like an apple at the Link in Sperryville
Federal Farm Policy and The farm bill
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.
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Chesapeake Bay Watershed Farmers Improve Health of the Bay
Gov. McDonnell Pledges to Conserve Virginia’s Open Spaces
