Rural and Urban Farming
One of the most important segments of our American economy and way of life is our farming industry. Recent studies show an increasing need for urban agriculture with many of America’s rural farmers moving towards the cities. Additionally, cities are booming across the country in general, which results in heightened demand for food. With an estimated 70% of the world population being urban by 2050, CFER encourages cities across the country to allot land to urban farming organizations and businesses. We also encourage strong support from the cities including (but not limited to) grants, loans, and tax credits for urban agriculture producers. Urban agriculture has been successful, producing two million pounds of food in the city of Philadelphia alone. Unfortunately, urban agriculture will not be enough to feed our quickly growing population. According to the 2012 U.S. Census, the average age of American farmers is rising at an astronomical rate—currently standing at 58.3. Very few young men and women are joining the vital rural farming industry. Due to this, we encourage federal, statewide, and local policies to reward rural farmers with larger grants, loans, tax credits, and marketing aid. We also encourage cities to support rural farming by accepting food from nearby rural farmers. As a nation, we owe it to the backbone and founding of our economy for the implementation of these initiatives to be done in a way that incentivizes conservation with our soil, waterways and food for both consumers and future farmers & ranchers of the future.