Policy Development—Issue Surfacing: Transfer or Sale of Federal Lands for AFBF Policy Book

AFBF is seeking member input on policy related to the transfer or sale of federal lands to states or private entities. Policy Development is the process to help Farm Bureau members guide the organization on the challenges facing agriculture. AFBF is asking state Farm Bureaus to review the following policy topic and questions for the 2026 Policy Book.

Background

The United States federal government owns approximately 640 million acres, or 28% of the total U.S. land area. Agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Department of the Interior manage about 245 million acres that are neither national parks nor military bases.

Congressional proposals and public comments from agency officials indicate there is potential for the government to sell some of these lands to generate revenue and reduce the national debt or budget deficit. This document seeks to clarify AFBF policy on this issue and its legal and policy implications for farmers and ranchers.

Arguments for Selling Federal Lands

• Revenue Generation: Selling federal lands could generate substantial revenue, potentially reducing the national debt or funding other government programs.

• Economic Efficiency: Private ownership often leads to more efficient land management and greater economic development, such as resource extraction, agriculture or real estate development.

• Reduced Federal Management Costs: The federal government spends considerable sums managing these lands. Transferring ownership would eliminate these costs.

• State and Local Control: Some argue that transferring land to state or private ownership would allow for better management that reflects local needs and priorities.

Arguments Against Selling Federal Lands

• Loss of Public Access and Recreation: Federal lands provide recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting and fishing, that could be lost if public access is restricted by a new landowner.

• Environmental Impact: Private development could harm sensitive ecosystems, wildlife habitats and natural resources.

• Loss of Conservation Value: Federal lands often protect areas of significant ecological, historical or cultural value. The sale of these lands could lead to development that compromises these values.

• Questionable Long-Term Economic Benefits: One-time revenue gains from land sales may be offset by the loss of long-term economic benefits derived from public lands, such as tourism and recreation.

• Historical and Cultural Significance: Many federal lands hold historical and cultural significance for Native American tribes and other groups.

• Potential Loss of Current Uses: Depending on who owns and manages the land, current activities on federal lands like timber harvesting or grazing could be impacted.

Legal and Policy Considerations

• Existing Laws and Regulations: Numerous federal laws govern the management and disposal of federal lands, including the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

• Statehood Compacts: Many Western states entered into agreements with the federal government upon statehood, where the federal government retained ownership of large land tracts.

• Public Land Disposal Clause: The Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to dispose of federal lands.

• Types of Federal Lands: Different categories of federal lands exist, including national parks, national forests, BLM lands and wildlife refuges, each with its own management mandate.

Current AFBF Policy

The pertinent AFBF policy is covered in 510 - Federal Lands and 516 - Transfer of Federal Lands, however current policy statements are broad and conflicting.

Relevant Policy:

1. 510 1.20. (With regard to general management policies, we support): The federal government honoring the state enabling act and releasing public lands. The revenue generated from the sales of public lands should be used to reduce national debt, fund education and transportation infrastructure;

1. 516 Sections 1 and 2.

Resources

Congressional Research Service: Federal Land Ownership: Acquisition and Disposal Authorities

BLM webpage: Federal Land Sales Frequently Asked Questions

BLM webpage: Lands Potentially Available for Disposal

DOI and HUD Announcement to Reduce Housing Costs and Open Access to Underutilized Federal Lands Suitable for Residential Development

Questions for policy development

1) We have conflicting policy; we oppose the sale of some kinds of public lands, but also support transfer and disposal. Should our policy be clarified regarding the sale and transfer of federal lands?

2) From your perspective, how should the policy be clarified?

Action for state Farm Bureaus

During your Policy Development process, we recommend that policy recommendations be submitted through the regular process for review during the Resolutions Meeting in December 2025. This policy issue may be addressed in Section 516.