The family farms in the United States: social relations, scale and region

Abstract

Family farms are one of America’s cultural icons and an important element ofAmerican farming tradition. However, their definition is neither clear-cut nor unambiguous; asindicated by the authors of this article, the role and significance of family farms are differentfor all currently used definitions. Comparing and contemplating the definitions specified bythe USDA and UN-FAO, as well as the concepts put forth by American organizations, e. g. theNational Family Farm Coalition or Family Farm Defenders, the authors point out sizabledifferences in numbers and basic characteristics of family farms. These differences result fromfactors related to scale of production, extent of land ownership and tenancy, as well as varioussocial and regional influences. The two latter categories encompass issues affecting mid-sizedfarms (agriculture of the middle), the significance of income from extra-agricultural labor forthe family farm budget, the role and importance of hired labor, and the characteristics andextent of land tenancy. The authors stress the importance of family farming in maintaining thevitality of local communities and food security in the US along with its role in protectingbiodiversity and the environment. The closing part of the article focuses on addressing USrural policy, which should count protecting family farms among its key goals.