The success of agriculture contributes to the strength of this nation. It is in our national interests, in our national security interests that we have a strong farm economy. And the farmers of America contribute to the values of our nation, and to the generosity of our nation. - President George W. Bush
Twenty-seven percent of all land in Alabama is considered farmland according to the United States Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. Of those farms, 93% are family owned. As rural communities become more closely associated with urban interests and uses, the largest concern has been for the preservation of farmland controlled by families and small businesses from corporations with farming interests.
After the 2000 Census, it is becoming increasing clear that the United States population is growing and urban areas are expanding. This growing trend in urban areas is also coupled with an increasing urban interest in rural lands. As the population rapidly increases in city areas, the natural progression is into the rural communities. The areas where the two meet have been faced with the complexities of the changing demands and dynamics from its residents. In order to have a successful union at the interface of the urban and rural communities, the interests of both must be respected. Unfortunately, the residents of the rural communities often feel as if their way of life is unprotected.
Government protection of farmlands has been a central issue since the 1930's. However effective and direct assistance truly came about in 1996 with the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act (FAIR). The Reform Act is best known for its direct payments to farmers and incentives for landowners. Although the intention was honorable in practice, this method did not reach many farmers. In fact, it was more beneficial to larger commercial farms. Also, the government spent far more money than it had intended when the legislation was enacted.
In spite of this federal intervention, "production doubled over the last 50 years, farm numbers dropped by more than two-thirds"[1]. In response to the growing concern of smaller farms and family-owned farms, many people appealed to their states for relief. Unfortunately, many states lack the capacity to effectively respond. "With the overwhelming public demand for farmland protection, and states committing more than $160 million a year in easement funding, the federal contribution is woefully inadequate"[2]. In February, the Senate took a great step in farmland protection by passing the Farm Bill. This bill attempts to reconcile the demand for land that urban development has placed on rural communities. The bill will appropriate $350 million a year for farmland protection, $270 million for wildlife habitat preservation incentives, and many other programs for environmental support. Alabama representative Terry Everett is currently on a committee in the House of Representatives to reform the bill.
In a time of great change and urban development, steps need to be taken to ease the transition of rural lands for urban uses. If implemented, new federal programs supporting the protection of farmlands would protect the interests of many rural residents. This would also facilitate reconciliation in areas that are at the crossroads of rural and urban life.
Footnotes:
[1] United States Department of Agriculture, http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/farmpolicy01/fullreport.pdf, September 2001, (12 March 2002). [2] American Farmland Trust, http://www.farmland.org/policy/issues.htm#fpp, (12 March 2002).