American Farmland Trust: Budget deficit plan deals blow farming's future

The American Farmland Trust joined with other concerned groups June 24 to let the Obama administration and the leadership of Congress know that they "reject disproportionate cuts to agriculture and conservation programs" in order to address America's federal budget woes.

Jon Scholl, president of American Farmland Trust (AFT) said that collectively the organizations that were represented represent "millions of Americans who are concerned not only about the financial health of our nation, but who have equal concern about agriculture's ability to protect our natural resources, provide healthy food to a growing world population, and address serious environmental concerns."

Scholl said that cuts proposed through the Biden Budget Group and Congressional appropriations processes may "wreak havoc" with key programs individually, and disproportionately affect the agriculture sector as a whole.

"Balancing any budget and reducing an outstanding debt is tough work," adds Scholl "Today, we're challenging the leadership to step back and consider the effect of their decisions on the health of agriculture, our environment and national security.

"Our leaders must work to keep agriculture productive and secure," Scholl added. "This must be our top priority for the future of our nation."