American Farmland Must Be Protected, Farm Bureau Head Stresses

The amount of productive farmland in America is on the decline. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said it’s important everyone understands why development should not come at the cost of American agriculture.

“America’s farmland supports farm families, rural communities, and national food security," Duvall said. "Competition for that land is growing as housing, solar projects, and data centers expand. Since 1982, America’s cropland has declined more than 55 million acres. Development can bring jobs and investment, but we must consider the long-term impact . Once farmland is covered by roads, buildings, or infrastructure, it is unlikely to return to agriculture.”

Duvall said the best way to preserve farmland is to make sure farmers and ranchers can afford to keep farming it.

“With record-high costs and tight margins, farm families face difficult choices when an offer is made on their property," said Duvall. "We can support growth while protecting private property rights and giving rural communities a voice.”

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