We have all read that farming in the US may reach a crisis point unless we can come up with a large enough new generation of farmers. Fortunately, the USDA offers a measure of reassurance. About two-thirds of farmland in the US is actually owned by individual farmers. That’s a comforting number, and here’s another: Over two million farmland owners are families or individuals. Although we see some nightmarish documentaries and news reports about agricultural monoliths, they number only about 330,000 and occupy a measly 5% of all US farmland.
Our government certainly should monitor the investment of foreign entities purchasing and leasing arable real estate; in addition politicians should also examine the domestic hedge funds and wealthy individuals who are taking farmland away from a small but growing population of younger farmers. Farming needs an infusion of youth. The average age of our current farmers is just shy of 60. And based just on an anecdotal evidence, younger farmers who want to use organic, biodynamic or regenerative agricultural practices have a difficult time finding
While some mainstream and social media focus has highlighted the devastation of the once unbelievably rich farm land in our midwestern states and some legislators are justifiably concerned over domestic farming by foreign entities for their own consumption, there is little oversight of domestic purchases of our arable land for investment. Less than 1/5 of the the United States is suitable for farming. Every acre deserves to be watched over.
We have not protected our small farmers. And it is that sector that has historically fed communities, provided superior quality in produce and livestock – and been better stewards of the land. Less known is the necessity of nurturing a broader group of individual farmers. Hidden by the more lurid and dispiriting reporting of political corruption in the US, are the bipartisan efforts both in Congress and at the state level to vastly improve our five year Farm Bill. When I get emails from my representatives in the Senate and Congress, I now pay much more attention to how they vote on these agricultural issues.
When our sharp-penciled editor joined the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food And Agriculture, we discovered they have a program for military veterans who want to farm commercially. And there are now arising groups of young sustainable farming advocates such as Beginning Farmers or the National Young Farmers Coalition. The first organization is a reference tool for a wide spectrum of people interested in how to farm. From commercial mushroom cultivation to the intricacies of urban farming, this website has an ever changing list of programs, resources and farm employment opportunities.
The National Young Farmers Coalition offers a different face. Established in 2010, they are active in
Even with all the depressing statistics, we should be encouraged to see these signs of farmland advocacy taking root. We consumers need to help nurture these seeds so that our children and grandchildren can reap a more bountiful harvest.
After owning one of the best cooking stores in the US for 47 years, Nancy Pollard writes a blog about food in all its aspects – recipes, film, books, travel, superior sources and food related issues.
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Great article, except increased CO2 means more plant food. The IPCC's 2 deg F increase in temperature over the last 140 years has not, according to the IPCC, increased droughts, floods, and tropical storms. It is warmer, of course, but that decreases mortality compared to colder weather. The alleged crisis is still in the future. Same for sea level, which is rising about 1.7 mm annually and has been for at least 100 years.
The author of the above comment wants KD readers to know that his information comes from http://www.climate4you.com. He feels that this website offers the most data. It is the personal website of a geomorphology professor in Oslo, Norway, who selects and aggregates strands of scientific data to validate his views on climate change.
Excellent and encouraging information. Although I'm too old to entertain the idea of helping local farmers, I'll find out how I can contribute my time to participate in farming advocacy to insure that this issue resonates within my community.
Hello Joan,
I am very happy that this post has moved you to becoming an advocate for our next generation of farmers! Those two websites were both fascinating to delve into.