By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) launched the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) to address the decline in farmland and the number of farms in Kentucky.
The initiative aims to increase public awareness, provide technical assistance, and advocate for supportive policies.
KFB President Eddie Melton and KFTI Project Coordinator Aleta Botts recently joined a panel discussion with Tennessee agriculture leaders at a Tennessee Farm Bureau meeting to discuss this pressing issue.
“Ensuring our farms remain in production for future generations is not just a challenge in Kentucky, but across the country,” Melton said. “When we work together as a collective ag industry, we can accomplish so much more and nowhere do we have a better neighbor to work on this and other farm issues than our friends at Tennessee Farm Bureau."
Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry and Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Jeff Aiken shared similar concerns about farmland loss in their state.
They highlighted the urgency of the situation and the need for increased focus and attention on farmland transition.
Mayberry said during state policy meetings over the last two years, the subject of farmland transition consistently came up and the panel discussion helped bring more attention to the issue.
Aiken, a former TFB president, highlighted the significant acreage loss in Tennessee over the last 15 years. He emphasized the need for programs and initiatives to support farmland transition and ensure a smooth transfer to the next generation of farmers.
Botts emphasized the importance of collaboration between Kentucky and Tennessee in addressing this shared challenge. She highlighted the potential for learning from each other's efforts and working together to advocate for policies that support farmland preservation.
Melton expressed optimism about the potential for positive change through collaboration and collective action. He emphasized the importance of working together to create opportunities for the next generation of farm families.
The panel discussion highlighted the shared challenges faced by Kentucky and Tennessee in preserving farmland and the importance of collaboration and collective action to address these issues. By working together, these states can make a significant impact on ensuring the future of agriculture and preserving farmland for generations to come.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy