Key Environmental Policies Every Young Farmer Should Know

Between 2012 and 2017, the U.S. abandoned nearly 70,000 farms and lost over 14 million acres of farmland. This quick decline highlights the constant challenges young farmers face. These challenges revolve around getting land and adapting to changing weather caused by climate change.

A 2017 survey showed that 66% of young farmers faced unpredictable weather and other issues related to climate change. Young farmers face the urgancy to act, as climate change threatens their work and knowledge is key.

Currently, the U.S. is losing 1.5 million acres of farmland each year. Most concerning is that this loss affects the most productive lands. Less than 17% of the U.S. has the best lands for farming. This fact makes it even more critical to protect our farmland.

Youth in farming can make a difference by adopting regenerative practices. But, they need help from everyone. This includes more funding for agricultural research, changing conservation programs, and helping with new farming techniques that lock away carbon.

Climate change mostly hurts communities of color and low-income families first, impacting their food. Also, the wisdom of Indigenous and other traditional farmers is vital for coping with changes. They should be acknowledged and supported.

• 66% of young farmers report climate-related challenges in farming practices.
• The U.S. lost nearly 70,000 farms and over 14 million acres of farmland between 2012 and 2017.
• An annual loss of 1.5 million acres underscores the need for better land access policies for young farmers.
• Development on high-productivity soils heightens the urgency to protect farmland.
• Young farmers can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change through regenerative practices.
• Comprehensive climate policies and increased funding are essential to support young farmers.
• Recognising and compensating traditional farming knowledge is crucial for climate adaptation.

I’ve spent a lot of time supporting farm policies. Environmental rules are key for farming’s future and for young farmers. The climate is changing, bringing in bad weather like storms and heatwaves. In a 2017 survey, 66% of young farmers said they faced these problems. It shows we must help them be resilient against such events.

Guiding agriculture with environmental policies is vital. They are especially important for young farmers under more climate pressure. Changes in seasons and severe weather demand new farming skills. There’s also less good land to farm, making these policies even more urgent.

“Clear, supportive policies are integral in safeguarding soil health, promoting water conservation, and enabling access to renewable energy, all of which are essential for sustainable farming.” – Climate Experts

Good environmental rules affect how farms operate. They set the stage for farming that fights climate change. By caring for soil, saving water, and using clean energy, young farmers can be more resilient. These rules also help with big problems like debts and tight budgets young farmers face.

Young farmers today see climate action as a top goal. This makes strong policies even more crucial. Things like more money for farming and climate studies and improving conservation programs are key. They make farming stronger and more sustainable for the future.

Government help is vital for young farmers to grow sustainably. They provide funds and programs that encourage new ideas and safe farming methods. But, the funding and resources we have now are not enough to solve our farming problems quickly. This includes fighting the effects of climate change.

Many grants help farmers to be kinder to the earth. For example, the Organic Certification Cost-Share Program helps pay for getting certified as organic. With government help, farms can become more innovative and perform better. This is shown when farms get direct support and use better technology.

In Europe, the Common Agricultural Policy offers subsidies focusing on both the environment and people’s needs. Growing countries are also working to protect their farming environments. This shows that supporting farming is crucial all around the world.

Many young farmers want to conserve the environment but find it hard to get grants. This is because applying can be complicated. We need to make the process simpler. Also, we need more money from the government for these programs. They should be made to include more young and BIPOC farmers in their planning and support.

To apply, farmers need to show how they help the environment and explain their plan clearly. Getting support like the Value Added Producer Grants has big benefits. It helps make more jobs and keeps businesses strong.

We should make it easier for farmers to know about and apply for these grants. This way, more young farmers can get the help they need. Making these improvements ensures that government support helps as many young farmers as possible.

Today’s farmers are battling climate change’s effects on their crops and lives. A survey found 66% of young farmers face erratic weather. They see more severe storms and deal with pests, water issues, and high disease rates. All this impacts how much they can produce and earn.

From 2012 to 2017, the U.S. lost nearly 70,000 farms and 14 million acres of farmland. A 1.5 million-acre loss continues yearly. Most worrying, only 17% of the U.S. is ideal for crops.

Building on the best land is ruining it for farming. This means we’re also damaging the land’s ability to recover from climate change and other harm.

Our farmland is disappearing fast. Climate change is making this worse, leading to soil damage, salty lands, deserts, and messed-up water cycles. These are ruining crops, making it hard to farm, keeping animals healthy, and providing food that’s not as good for us.

To fight this, we need to shift towards farming that helps nature bounce back and can handle climate change. The time to act is now. We should spend more on farming research and help farmers use new, better ways to farm.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) fights for farm policies that tackle the climate emergency. They want farming that’s all about respecting nature and working together to find the best solutions. It’s key to make up for past wrongs so that everyone can benefit from farming that protects the land and our health.

We must change how we farm to help the environment, our communities, and our businesses. By working together and supporting this better kind of farming, we can heal our planet and live better lives.

Young farmers play a key role in tackling the challenges agriculture faces today. They see first-hand how climate change impacts our food and environment. Their active involvement is essential for effective climate action in farming.

Today, 66% of young farmers say they see the effects of climate change on their work. They are pressing for agriculture to adapt to these challenges. This includes dealing with wild weather, extreme storms, and increased pest risks. In the 2019 Young Farmers Report, 71% of those surveyed admitted they were not familiar with USDA programmes. This points out a clear need for better support and communication.

Adopting new, practical methods is crucial for fighting climate issues. These include improving soil health, using water better, and practising regenerative farming. But, it’s worrying that we’ve lost so many farms and farmlands due to climate change. This loss shows we must act fast to protect our agriculture against further harm.

The disappearance of farmlands and more severe weather emphasise the need for young farmers to take charge. Policies should be made to support them and break down any obstacles they face. Such supportive policies are key to letting young farmers lead the way in fighting climate change in farming. Their involvement is critical for a future where agriculture is both sustainable and fair.

Water conservation in farming is crucial because of climate change. 88% of young farmers under 40 say the changing weather is a big challenge. They need good water saving ways and strong water rules from the government.

I found that using the right water methods can make farms work better. Small changes, like less ploughing, adding natural stuff to the ground, and better ways to water the plants, are key. But big issues, such as too much water in the ground, water close to the surface at some times, and leaks, need more plans.

• Putting a layer on the ground and adding natural things can keep the water in the soil.
• Building systems to get rid of extra water helps stop the damage from too much water and floods.
• Using plants or other things as a barrier can control where the snow piles up.

The government’s rules about saving water are very important for lasting farm ways. In 2020, making a plan for the climate and saving water was top of the list. But almost 75% of young farmers don’t know about the help the USDA can give. We need to invest more in saving water with programs like EQIP, CSP, and RCPP. And these help plans must be fair for young and BIPOC farmers, too.

We need more ways to insure crops and more money for studying how to farm well without harming the land and water. Also, a group at the USDA with young and BIPOC farmers can make sure rules are good for everyone. In the end, managing water right doesn’t just help farms, it keeps the whole farming area strong and growing.

It’s key to know about soil health for many reasons. This includes locking in carbon, boosting crop growth, and fighting climate change. For young farmers, learning how to care for soil is vital. It helps make farming last for the long term.

Having good policies for soil health is crucial for farming to survive. The National Young Farmers Coalition wants to help 25,000 young people find good farming jobs by 2022. In a survey, 83% of these young farmers put conserving and restoring soil first. They are told to use special farming methods that keep the soil healthy. These methods include planting cover crops and not tilling the soil, known as conservation tillage.

The government is also helping farmers take care of the soil, whether they have big or small farms. An example is the Small Farm Conservation Act that helps small farms. This act gives extra money to farmers on small areas who use good soil care methods. In Illinois, more than 2,600 young farmers working on less than 50 acres benefit from this support.

Other funding supports the use of methods like cover crops. A big amount, over $6 million, is for these helpful farming practices. The government also puts aside $250,000 every year for a special Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. These investments help young farmers make their farms better for the environment and the future.

It’s vital to keep working on soil health policies. We need to help young farmers farm in ways that protect the earth and feed people for many years.

Getting land and money is hard for young farmers, especially if they’re BIPOC. The 2022 National Young Farmer Survey showed that almost 60% find it tough to buy affordable land. The issue is serious because nearly half of all U.S. farmland will change hands within 20 years. The USDA is working on helping by providing funds and starting new programs.

For young farmers, buying land at a good price is full of obstacles. They face tough weather, money problems, and high land costs. Over 10,000 people talked about their struggles in the 2022 survey. They said it’s very hard to get affordable land, especially for BIPOC farmers. And with most U.S. farmers being close to 60, it’s getting harder for young farmers to find land.

The USDA has set aside $300 million to support 50 projects to make it easier for farmers to get land and money. These efforts cover 40 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The goals are to help underserved farmers own farms, give them technical help, and better ways to sell their products. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency Microloan Program has also been helping tens of young farmers for some time.

The farm bill coming up might see a $2.5 billion boost for getting more land. The National Young Farmers Coalition is pushing for this through the One Million Acres Campaign. This big investment would help ensure agriculture’s future is healthy and fair to all.

Integrating renewable energy into farming is a pivot towards a sustainable future. Solar and wind power cut energy costs by up to 60%. These methods fulfil a need for more eco-friendly farming.

Renewable energy boosts a farm’s productivity and waste management. It means smarter use of resources and less waste. This approach helps young farmers expand their operations and earn more.

One big plus is how reliable sustainable energy is. It makes farming operations more stable. Support like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) can also reduce project costs by 50%.

Projects led by young people are making a big impact. They are good for local economies and connect with communities. They help spread the word on the importance of renewable energy too.

Solar panels are a huge money saver. They cut down electricity costs a lot. With the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), farmers can save on federal income tax by up to 30%.

Wind turbines help both by generating electricity and allowing farmers to sell some. They, along with biofuels, reduce the need for fossil fuels. This keeps farming sustainable.

Renewable energy also has a big effect on the environment. It can lower the carbon footprint of food production. Geothermal energy, for example, can cut heating costs by a huge 90%.

By supporting renewable energy on farms, we give young farmers more control and boost their productivity. This all leads to a more sustainable farming future.

Agroforestry is a vital and sustainable answer to many environmental problems. It tackles issues like biodiversity loss, soil health, and carbon trapping. By planting and growing trees and shrubs on farmlands, we improve the land. This helps farming while being good for the planet.

Agroforestry brings many benefits. It helps protect over 37,400 species from extinction. This is done by creating new homes for them. Also, soil gets better because trees and shrubs help keep it in place and add nutrients.

The Spanish dehesa system is a perfect example. It shows how farming and the environment can benefit together.

Agroforestry is also great for sucking up harmful carbon. Depending on the type, a single system can trap anywhere from 0.09 to 7.29 tons of carbon each year. Implementing these systems in the right places could help store a lot of carbon away. This could cut down a big chunk of Europe’s farm-related carbon emissions.

We need policies to push for greener ways of farming. Agroforestry systems need to be supported financially for the services they offer. This would help farmers switch to these new methods. European experts have already identified 64 ideal systems to boost nature and farm benefits.

Cocoa tree farming in places like Cameroon and Ghana is very important. It supports local economies. Policy focus on education and financial help can make agroforestry grow faster. This way, young farmers can be encouraged to start with these sustainable methods.

Today, more and more young farmers are choosing sustainable methods. For them, grasping the details of organic farming support is vital. Moving through the certification’s complexities is tough but it’s needed. It ensures they follow the rules and catch new market chances.

Switching to organic farming takes three to six months for a first-time certification. Farmers follow the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) strict rules. This includes a three-year ban on certain fertilizers and pesticides. The USDA’s National List shows what substances are allowed or not.

Certification is done by NOP-accredited state or private organisations. Farms selling over $5,000 of organic goods yearly must get certified. Those selling less are not forced to but still follow organic rules. Since only 1% of U.S. land is organic, certification helps this number grow.

Organic certification can be expensive and tough. But, help is out there. The USDA’s EQIP Organic Initiative gives aid to organic farmers. This aid can be financial or technical.

The CSP also helps, offering money for better land stewardship. The AMA helps with issues like managing irrigation. These programs aim to make going organic easier.

The Opportunities in Organic Act wants to cut costs more. It updates the certification cost-share program. Now, this program pays 100% of certification costs, up to $1,500. It also offers help for transitioning to organic, making it easier for small and under-supported farmers.

By making these financial aids known, we can motivate more farmers to go organic. This not only helps their farms but is good for the planet too.

Using indigenous agricultural methods and traditional farming knowledge can make farming more sustainable. These old ways of farming, like changing crops each season and mixing animals with plants, work very well. But, most big farm systems have not given them much credit.

Indigenous people have always used farming to take care of nature. A 2017 study showed their knowledge helps fight climate change in places like the African Sahel. Their methods make crops more resistant to extreme weather. For Native Americans, growing food is not only about eating. It’s also a way to keep their culture and the environment healthy.

More Native Americans are now running farms in places like Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Growing traditional foods helps reduce problems like obesity and diabetes. These are common in their communities because of bad diets. Farming the old ways helps them take better care of the land and live healthier.

We need new rules that value and use the old farming knowledge and indigenous agricultural methods. Past policies, like the Dawes Act of 1887, caused a lot of harm. We must now have policies that help these farming traditions survive and do better. Doing so is a big step towards fairness for these communities and for the planet.

Technology is rapidly changing farming. Things like precision farming, vertical farming, and automated greenhouses help farms be more efficient. They also keep the planet healthy.

Precision farming lets farmers check on plants and soil in detail. This can lead to bigger crop harvests. Vertical farms use less water, showing how we can save resources.

Greenhouses around the world use new tech, like LED lights, to grow vegetables. This tech helps farms produce a lot of veggies. It also helps the environment by using less water.

Government rules and programs are key to using new farm tech. For example, the USDA helps with weather-resilient crops and the NRCS works on new farming methods. Blockchain also helps by making food safer and tracking where it comes from.

Robotic and AI tech are also becoming more common on farms. They make work easier and cut costs. It’s important that these technologies are available and affordable for all farmers.

The future of farming depends on using sustainable technology. Young farmers need access to this tech. It will help farming be effective and friendly to the Earth.

Ensuring fair labour practices and backing farm worker welfare are key to a thriving agricultural sector. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets out child labour laws. These laws protect young workers in farming. They look after workplace safety and stop harmful child labour. They say kids under 16 can work in farming if it’s not dangerous.

The FLSA stops kids under 16 from doing risky farm jobs. These include using heavy machines, working with certain animals, and touching chemicals. There are a few jobs that are safe for kids 12 and older with their parents’ ok. But, some farms don’t have to pay minimum wage. This mix-up shows why we need fair rules for everyone working in farming.

State laws make the situation more complex. Some states follow the FLSA closely, while others have stricter rules or let some things slide. In Oregon, kids as young as 9 can pick berries with their parents’ permission. But in Hawaii, the rules on picking fruit change based on how old the kids are and the type of fruit. These differences show why we need clear national rules. These rules should make sure farm workers get fair treatment all over the country.

It’s important to push for strong labour rules to help farm workers. Doing so supports their journey from working in farms to owning them. Decent work rules, safe places to work, and knowing their rights can really help farm workers live better. By putting these things first, the agriculture field can be better for everyone working in it.