Program Information

Farmers work hard to improve, manage and preserve the land for future generations, yet it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Farm land improves our environment, provides food for our families, shelters wildlife, improves water and air quality, and benefits the communities where farms are located.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter L, for Land Preservation. Farmers are known for being the stewards of the land. Meaning they manage and improve the land for the next generation.

Every year, farmland is shrinking. You may have to drive a little farther out to find it. Slowed by traffic, and busy intersections, past housing developments that seem to have sprouted from the field…finally… you can see the bountiful farmland.

It wasn't always like this. Gradually over time, we've paved over our farmland for roads, houses and malls. Careless land use planning has put America's farmland and the business of farming at risk.

The farmer and the farmland is part of our heritage and our most valuable resource. Virginia’s farms provide our country and the world with an abundance of food. But farmland means much more than food. Well-managed farmland shelters wildlife… supplies scenic open space… and helps improve our air and water quality. Farmers pay more real estate taxes and utilize less community services in comparison to residential developments. In other words, cows and trees don’t go to school.

It just doesn’t make sense to develop our state’s best land. Instead, we all have a responsibility to protect this most valuable resource for future generations. For the ABC’s of Agriculture, I’m Professor Brad… see you next time!

Virginia Standards