The Environment: Why Farm and Food Policy Matters

Landowners can help solve our biggest environmental challenges

Massachusetts tree farmer Jay Healy uses rotating forest improvement techniques to keep the soil healthy and protect plant and wildlife habitats. (Photo by Tim Connor)

Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are eager to help meet America's environmental challenges.

But most producers are rejected when they seek conservation incentives from USDA. Every year, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners face a $3 billion backlog when they offer to share the cost of improving air quality and water quality, stablizing the climate or providing habitat for wildlife. More than 50,000 farmers—roughly two out of three farmers—are annually rejected when they seek conservation assistance from USDA.

Farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners manage more than half of America's lands, so it's no surprise that agriculture dramatically shapes the environment. The fate of America's rivers, lakes and bays and the survival of many rare species [PDF] of wildlife largely depends upon farmers, ranchers and private forest owners. Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners also serve as the frontline against sprawl.

We should reward landowners when they offer to help protect the environment, not reject them. Unless we provide landowners with adequate tools and incentives, many of the nation's biggest environmental challenges will not be met. That's why Environmental Defense is working with farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to develop new approaches that balance the needs of agriculture and the environment.

Renewal of federal farm programs and policies in 2007 is a chance to reward farmers, ranchers and forest land owners when they help meet our environmental challenges.

Posted: 26-Jan-2006; Updated: 25-Jul-2007