Super Eco

In 1979, the National Agricultural Lands Study was formed by the Carter Administration to determine "the nature, rate, extent and causes of the reduction in land base" with regards to prime agricultural land in the U.S. The report, titled "Where Have the Farm Lands Gone?" was a call to action for many agricultural interests (while its methods of analysis were questioned by leading Republicans and its conclusion criticized). In response to the report, the American Farmland Trust was formed, with its mission "to help farmers and ranchers protect their land, produce a healthier environment and build successful communities."

The American Farmland Trust's central mission is to affect U.S. farm policy, and does so through lobbying, activism, and assisting state and local agricultural bodies in planning, analysis, assessments, drafting and reviewing ordinances, and facilitating information. While the AFT does advocate for a clean environment and supporting local farmers by buying from farmer's markets, there is no stated organic or sustainable agricultural platform, nor does the AFT have anything to say about the merits of polyculture over monoculture, or GMO crops over non-GMOs. The AFT does support using food crops for biofuels, although its enthusiasm over Purple False Brome is preferable to corn ethanol. Also, innovative programs such as the Best Management Practices Challenge pay farmers to attempt reducing the amount of commercial fertilizer they use (which improves water quality and preserves the soil's nutrients).

While the AFT has many different policy missions and farm programs, its chief aim is still to protect farmland near urban areas from development for housing or commercial uses.

Notable Eco Activity

The American Farmland Trust has recently kicked off a campaign to distribute free bumper stickers and tote bags with its "No Farms, No Food" slogan. It also promotes the purchase of food from local farmers with the "Keep It Local pledge." The AFT remains proudest of its role in passing the federal Farmland Protection Policy Act in 1981, as well as subsequent farm protection programs in federal and state legislative sessions.

• American Farmland Trust Details

  • Year Founded

    1980

  • Founded By

    Unavailable

  • Green Products?

    Unavailable

  • Hazardous Products?

    Unavailable

  • Sector

    Unavailable

  • Industry

    Unavailable

  • Help Line

    202-331-7300

  • Help Address

    rdietrich@farmland.org

  • Fax Number

    Unavailable

  • Website

    http://www.farmland.org/

  • Key Execs

    Unavailable

  • Competitors

    Unavailable

  
  

• American Farmland Trust Locations

  • Headquarters

    1200 18th Street, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036

  • Mail Address

    1200 18th Street, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036

  • Operates In

    United States

  • Manufacturing

    Unavailable

  
  

• American Farmland Trust Financial Information

  • Company Type

    Nonprofit membership organization

  • Yearly Revenue

    Unavailable

  • Traded On

    Unavailable

  • Symbols

    Unavailable