The USDA reports that in just one year, the U.S. lost 14,950 farms and 2,100,000 acres of farmland. This continues a decades-long trend, bringing the total loss to 150,000 farms since 2017.
A generational shift is underway. With the average American farmer over 60 and nearly 40% now over 65, farmland is changing hands at an unprecedented rate.
The result? Large agricultural corporations and developers absorb small and mid-sized farms, consolidate power, and limit local food production. This threatens food autonomy, soil health, and rural communities.
What Can Be Done
While this trend is concerning, many great things can be done, including:
- Support Local Farms: Shop at farmers’ markets, join a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture), and buy from local farm stands instead of big-box stores. Demand for locally grown, organic, and regenerative food is increasing, and supporting small farms helps keep farmland in the hands of independent farmers.
- Start Growing Food: Whether it’s a backyard garden, community plot, or urban farm, every bit of local food production makes a difference. Vertical farming, permaculture, and regenerative practices offer sustainable ways to cultivate food even in small spaces.
- Invest in Small Farms: If you have the means, consider leasing or buying farmland to support local food production. Partner with beginning farmers to help preserve land for agricultural use.
- Advocate for Policies That Protect Farmland: Stay informed about local and national policies that impact farmland preservation. Support zoning laws that prevent overdevelopment and encourage regenerative agriculture.
- Educate and Inspire the Next Generation: Farming must be seen as a viable, fulfilling career that the next generation wants to become a part of..
The Good News. We seem to be moving in the right direction as more people become interested in growing food, keeping chickens, and living sustainably. It is essential to keep this momentum up and encourage everyone to care about where their food comes from.
