He speaks with an advocacy group about rising land monopolization.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke to members of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition on Monday, speaking to their concerns of consistently losing land, resources, and work to enormous farms. In 1987, farms with 2,000 or more acres controlled only 15% of America’s cropland. Now, they control over 41% of all of America’s cropland. Farm families who used to be able to make a living with a few acres of land now often have to rely on second jobs to make ends meet.
“We believe there’s a better alternative than go big or go out,” Secretary Vilsack said, highlighting the USDA’s funding programs to expand small- and medium-scale farming operations.
The USDA secretary also pointed out that the federal government’s farm bill, which expires every five years, is set to be renewed and renegotiated by September 30.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Vilsack as he advocates for smaller farm operations.
- For members of Congress as they consider the farm bill for the coming 5 years.
- For the farmers running smaller operations as they struggle to keep up with rising costs.
Sources: AgDaily, Reuters
