Action Victories

The AFT Action Network has helped influence and challenge legislators for better farm and food policy. Below are updates on our recent action alerts and the progress we've made towards a brighter future in American agriculture.

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Federal Policy

Passage of the House Climate Bill Could Be Enormous Boost to Conservation

In a very close vote on Friday evening, the House of Representatives passed one of the most sweeping pieces of conservation legislation of the 21st Century . The landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act provides an enhanced role for agriculture to play a key part in combating climate change. If enacted, the legislation will create new opportunities for American farmers and ranchers while dramatically improving the environment.

In a statement issued moments after the votes were counted, Jimmy Daukas, managing director of the Agriculture & Environment campaign noted, “By taking this step forward in addressing climate change with agriculture’s participation, we will be able to recognize real conservation gains, new farm income and a new era of American farm ingenuity.

Timeline for the Climate Bill

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 Enacted

In June, 2008 the farm bill was finalized after a veto override in the House and Senate. The 2008 Farm Bill provides funding to improve our environment, protect farm and ranch land, make local foods more widely available and dramatically increase food assistance for families struggling with rising food costs. Equally as important, it makes real gains in subsidy reform with the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program that fundamentally changes how government support operates.

While the final compromise bill does not include all of the reforms we would like to see, it is a significant improvement in U.S. farm and food policy. We will build off these new programs, better policies and increased funding now and in the future.

Find out what AFT is doing in your state. Check out AFT's state pages.