(Undated) — The U.S. Agriculture Secretary cites startling statistics that could affect the future of America’s food supply. Tom Vilsack spoke at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention stating the loss of 437-thousand-300 farms since 1981.
He says that equates to 141 million acres of farmland. Vilsack says the smaller amount of resources coupled with increasingly harsh weather make it necessary to expand crop insurance. He says the “life-saving payments” made when a claim is filed help small and medium sized farms stay in business.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the Farm Bill is the top issue.
Duvall says the policies begin at the grassroots county level.
More than 80 speakers and 4,500 registered attendees were at the event this year.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.
