Giving Compass' Take:
•Katerina Bozhinova reports that farmland in the U.S. is rapidly shrinking - putting the food supply and rural economies at risk.
• How can philanthropyhelp to support a sustainable farm ecosystem in the United States? How can philanthropists effectively partner with farmers and the government to address this problem?
• Learn more about the impacts of urban sprawl on farmland.
Farmland in the United States decreased by 31 million acres, a territory equivalent to the state of New York,over a 20 year period, according to theAmerican Farmland Trust(AFT). Their newreportassessed the loss of U.S. farmland and ranchland from 1992 to 2012. “Farms Under Threat: The State of America’s Farmland” is the most comprehensive assessment to date of farmland in the U.S. and reveals that the actual loss of farmland amounts to twice the previously documented land.
“Without farms, there’s not only no food, but there’s no future. We need farmland to feed us and sustain our economy—but also to help restore our planet.”
In less than a generation, the United States lost 11 million acres of its best farmland to the expanding U.S. cities and towns. Urban sprawl has absorbed agricultural land for commercial, residential, and industrial development. While urban development converted mostly cropland, low-density residential development took an equal toll on cropland and pastures. Since1997, large-lot properties have increased in number and are often too small to incorporate traditional farming, ranching, or forestry. They do not contribute to rural economies and lead to a loss of open space and a decreasing wildlife habitat.
Read the full article on U.S. farmlands byKaterina Bozhinova at Food Tank.
As an expert in agricultural sustainability and land use dynamics, it is evident that the issue of farmland loss in the United States is a critical and alarming trend with far-reaching implications. The American Farmland Trust's recent report, "Farms Under Threat: The State of America’s Farmland," is a seminal work that meticulously assesses the extensive loss of U.S. farmland and ranchland from 1992 to 2012. My familiarity with this report, along with a broader understanding of the intricate challenges facing American agriculture, positions me to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
The reported decline of 31 million acres of farmland over the two-decade period is deeply concerning. This loss, equivalent to the size of the state of New York, raises urgent questions about the sustainability of our food supply and the well-being of rural economies. The AFT's report goes beyond previous assessments, revealing that the actual loss is double what was previously documented. This underscores the gravity of the situation and emphasizes the need for immediate and effective intervention.
Urban sprawl emerges as a primary driver of farmland loss, absorbing agricultural land for commercial, residential, and industrial development. The report highlights the conversion of cropland due to urban development, but equally significant is the impact of low-density residential development, which has taken a toll on both cropland and pastures. This nuanced understanding of the diverse forces contributing to farmland loss is crucial for devising targeted strategies to address the multifaceted challenges.
The staggering loss of 11 million acres of prime farmland to expanding U.S. cities and towns within a single generation is a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation. Large-lot properties, increasingly prevalent since 1997, pose a unique threat as they are often unsuitable for traditional farming, ranching, or forestry. Not only do they fail to contribute to rural economies, but they also lead to the loss of open space and a decline in wildlife habitat.
To address this complex issue, philanthropy can play a pivotal role. Philanthropists can collaborate with farmers, the government, and other stakeholders to implement sustainable farming practices, support land conservation initiatives, and advocate for policies that protect agricultural landscapes. Effective partnerships and targeted investments can help build resilience in the face of urban sprawl and ensure the long-term viability of the U.S. farm ecosystem.
In conclusion, the evidence presented in the American Farmland Trust's comprehensive report underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address farmland loss in the United States. Philanthropy has the potential to be a driving force in supporting a sustainable farm ecosystem by fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic interventions that protect the foundation of our food supply and rural economies.
