Change is Coming to U.S. Farm Policy

Washington, D.C., February 7, 2006 —The President’s budget confirms what farmers, ranchers, and observers have long known-significant changes to American farm policy are inevitable,” said American Farmland Trust (AFT) president Ralph Grossi. “The only questions are what will that change look like and who will develop the new policies?”

American Farmland Trust (AFT) believes America’s farmers and ranchers, those who are caring for our land and ensuring Americans have a safe and healthy food supply, should be in charge of their own destiny. “While some in the agriculture community continue to close their eyes and call for extensions of existing programs, AFT is working with farmers and ranchers to strengthen American agriculture and expand environmental stewardship on working farms and ranches.”

The proposed 2007 budget moves in the right direction by expanding support for renewable energy and funding conservation programs so farmers can afford to protect the environment and work the land. However, “the President undermined his commitment to farmers and ranchers by cutting the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program by 50% from authorized levels. This proven program already is under-funded turning away three out of four farmers willing to permanently protect their land for future generations,” commented Grossi. “Congress should restore funding for FRPP to help stem the loss of our best farmland to development. These cuts are shortsighted. Once it’s gone, it is gone forever,” Grossi continued.

“The administration’s proposal to change to crop insurance and payment limits must be addressed in the larger farm policy discussion not simply as a budget cutting measure. Instead of debating which program gets cut and by how much, we need to have an open, healthy dialogue with farmers and ranchers over our farm policy priorities and how to develop new policies for the future,” said Grossi.

“Through its Farm Policy project, AFT is working with farmers and ranchers across the country to create practical solutions to maximize farm income through expanded market opportunities, payments that reward producers for creating a cleaner environment and tools to manage risk and a safety net in times of loss,” Grossi concluded.

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American Farmland Trust is a national nonprofit organization working with communities and individuals to protect the best land, plan for growth with agriculture in mind and keep the land healthy. As the leading advocate for farm and ranch land conservation, AFT has ensured that more than a million acres stays bountiful and productive. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, DC. The phone number is 202-331-7300. For more information, visit http://www.farmland.org/.