Farmland Loss Crisis: Expert Warns of Food Scarcity, Urges Farm Bill Reform

Washington, D.C. — In a hearing before the House Committee on Agriculture on June 5th, 2025, Tim Fink, Policy Director of the American Farmland Trust, delivered a stark warning about the future of American agriculture. "We’re losing 2,000 acres of farmland every day," Fink stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He detailed how this loss equates to 11 million acres of farmland paved over or converted to non-agricultural uses since the start of the century. Fink's testimony focused on the Agricultural Land Easement Subprogram, a crucial element of the Farm Bill, designed to help farmers retain their land and implement sustainable farming practices. He argued that without significant policy intervention, the nation faces the potential loss of an additional 18 million acres by 2040. A 2022 Montana study, cited by Fink, showed that every dollar invested in the program generated nearly double the amount in economic activity, supporting over 1,000 local jobs. This underscores the program's economic benefits and its role in ensuring long-term food security. The hearing concluded with a call for increased funding and reforms to the program, highlighting its importance in preserving American farmland for future generations.