The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) Network, a coalition of Kentucky agricultural organizations and institutions committed to preserving farmland for active farmers, has officially endorsed the Protecting American Farmlands Act introduced by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. As Kentucky continues to lose farmland at an alarming rate, network members are calling on Congress to pass this critical legislation to ensure farm families have the tools they need to transition their land to the next generation of farmers.

Launched by Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) in April 2024, the KFTI Network brings together key stakeholders — including farm organizations, agribusiness leaders and educational institutions — who are working collaboratively to address the challenges of farmland transition. 

“The farms we know and love as Kentuckians are at risk,” said KFB President Eddie Melton. “At the current rate of farmland loss, the number of Kentucky farmers will be cut in half over the next 60 years. We can’t solve this problem alone, and fortunately, we don’t have to. With the support of Senator McConnell and so many influential leaders in agriculture, we have an opportunity to make real progress in preserving our farmland. The passage of the Protecting American Farmlands Act is an essential step in this effort.”

“American farmers, especially those in Kentucky, are grappling with a steady decline in available farmland,” said Senator McConnell. “Now more than ever, we must preserve our agricultural land and keep it in production for the next generation of producers. The Protecting American Farmland Act reduces the tax burden on selling farmland, making it easier for retiring farmers to keep their land in the hands of those who will continue to cultivate it. This legislation, which I was proud to partner with the Kentucky Farm Bureau on, is a big win for farmers across the country, and one that will help plant the seeds of farming for generations to come.” 

Senator McConnell has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since his first day in the Senate and currently is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research.

The Protecting American Farmlands Act offers incentives to help retiring farmers transition their land to active producers instead of selling to developers or investors who remove farmland from production. The legislation allows landowners who sell to active farmers to defer taxes on the proceeds of the sale. This provides a much-needed financial pathway for retiring farmers while ensuring that farmland remains in agricultural use.

• KFTI Network Members endorsing the legislation and urging Congress to pass this bill are:
• Agribusiness Association of Kentucky
• Community Farm Alliance
• Farm Credit Mid-America 
• Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts 
• Kentucky Association of Meat Processors
• Kentucky Burley and Dark Tobacco Producers Association 
• Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association 
• Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development
• Kentucky Corn Growers Association
• Kentucky Dairy Development Council 
• Kentucky Department of Agriculture
• Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council
• Kentucky Horticulture Council
• Kentucky Pork Producers Association 
• Kentucky Poultry Federation
• Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office
• Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
• Kentucky Soybean Association
• Kentucky State University
• Kentucky Thoroughbred Association
• Kentucky Woodland Owners Association
• WAVE Ag Initiative

For more information on the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative Network, visit kyfarmlandtransition.com/about.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY FARMLAND TRANSITION INITIATIVE

Kentucky Farm Bureau launched the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative to address the loss of farmland and the decline in the number of farmers across the state. This initiative is designed to help farm families navigate the complexities of farmland transition by providing access to valuable resources and educating them on their available options. 

ABOUT KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU

Kentucky Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization with more than 485,000 member families. For more news and updates from Kentucky Farm Bureau, visit KYFBNewsroom.com.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

Click here for photos and video that accompany this story, including headshots of interview subjects and Kentucky farmland.