No Farms No Food

As we often say at American Farmland Trust: “No Farms, No Food.” Farms — particularly those on the urban edge where most of our dairy products, fruits and vegetables are grown — are threatened by sprawling development, difficult market conditions and a host of other challenges.

Every day, more and more family farmers are facing a bleak economic outlook that is making it increasingly difficult for them to stay on the land. Uncertain market conditions, onerous regulations and the continued intrusion of sprawl into agricultural areas test even the most committed farm families. Added to that, we have a shrinking pool of young people or new farmers who are ready to continue America’s farming tradition. Today, almost 60 percent of farmers are 55 or older and the “average age” of our farmers is increasing every year.

American Farmland Trust’s  vision is one of U.S. towns and cities surrounded by healthy farms with thriving networks in place to make fresh food from nearby farms a reality for everyone – we’ve already helped to ensure that more than three million acres of farm and ranch land stay healthy and productive forever.