From the Executive Director | |
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This fall we continue to face uncertainty – Will it rain? What will the next political term bring? Are land/food/supply costs headed up or down?
While we may not have concrete answers, at Land For Good we are committed to our values of Collaboration, Integrity, Justice and Centering Farmers in everything we do. We look forward with hope, as we work together in these challenging times.
At our 20th Anniversary celebration, we named five new strategies, which will help manifest our vision of a vibrant landscape of working farms managed by diverse farmers. The first strategy is to expand farmland availability by empowering landowners (farming and non-farming) to offer farming opportunities, conduct more farm transfers, and increase the availability of farmland acres for New England farmers. To this end, you’ll see a robust offering this winter of LFG farm transfer planning support including workshops, virtual offerings, Farm Succession School, and individual advising. Learn about LFG's strategic direction.
Read more in this issue:
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- Watch our new impact video
- Celebrating our 20th anniversary
- Passing on the farm
- Farm Succession School coming to Maine, Massachusetts, and online
- GIFT MATCH - Give today to double your donation!
| Make sure you take advantage of our year-end GIFT MATCH. A gift from now until the end of the year will be matched dollar for dollar up to $17,000. Your support is critical. Entire communities will benefit from increased farming opportunity, climate resilience, healthy lands, and a more secure food supply. | |
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We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment in this season,
Shemariah Blum-Evitts
Executive Director
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Watch our new impact video now
Since 2004, Land For Good has provided over 9,340 cases of support and education to farmers, landowners, and service providers. We have helped over 2,770 individuals advance their farmland goals, and we have impacted at least 107,264 acres for the farmers of today and generations to come, keeping working farmland available for future generations!
To commemorate 20 years of growing farmland opportunity, we were excited to get out in the field with a film crew to interview a few of our farmers and share their farmland journeys.
Impact video
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Celebrating our 20th anniversary
Partners, farmers, landowners, and longtime supporters gathered to mark Land For Good’s 20th anniversary this fall. We were humbled by the great turnout and the memories shared, and inspired by the highlights of our 20 years of good work. The celebration also honored our co-founder and senior advisor Kathy Ruhf, as we took time to reflect on the past two decades of service.
Not able to attend? Purchase a commemorative 20 Year t-shirt or other merchandise in our new merch store.
Special thanks to our gold sponsor Johnny’s Selected Seeds, silver sponsors CT Greenhouse Company, and Farm Credit East, and bronze sponsors American Farmland Trust, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Fassett Farm Nursery, and Legal Food Hub.
Reflecting on 20 years of growing farmland opportunity
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Passing on the farm
Have questions about passing on the farm that you don’t know how to answer? Are you unsure who will take over your farm? Owners and successors will learn how to get started and where to find support at this winter's free webinar series on farm succession planning.
Farmers from across New England are welcome to attend. Family members and farm partners are also encouraged to attend. Registration includes class worksheets and resources. Plus hear from farmers recently in transition! Recordings will be available to all who register.
Online
January 9th – Getting Started & Resources
January 16th – Financial Considerations
January 23rd – Legal Considerations
January 30th – Farmer Panel: Successes & Challenges
Register now
Prefer individualized support? Sign up for no-cost advising with an LFG Field Agent. Support options include short calls with referrals to long-term planning. Fill out our Farm Transfer Form today or call 603-357-1600.
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Coming to Maine, Massachusetts, and Online - Farm Succession School
Senior farmers who are ready to dig in can start building their plan at a winter Farm Succession School. The curriculum is designed to help farmers think through the many aspects of succession planning, clarify vision and goals, get next steps on paper, and review necessary documents to provide for a smooth transition. There is also homework and assistance available between sessions. Farmers do not need to have an identified successor to participate in this course. Sessions include ample time to share and learn from other farmers facing similar questions. Learn more
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| Augusta, ME | Taunton, MA | Online | | January 29th
February 26th
March 19th
Register now | January 27th
February 24th
March 17th
Register now | February 4th & 6th
February 18th & 20th
March 4th & 6th
March 18th & 20th | |
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| Register now | | |
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Give today to double your donation
Twenty years of success began with supporters like you—and today, your gift goes twice as far!
A donor Gift Match will double your donation. A group of generous donors have pledged to match the first $17,000 that come through the door. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your impact!
Your gift allows us to connect transitioning farmers and landowners to our region’s diverse farm seekers—growing equitable farming opportunity and sustainably keeping land in agriculture.
Show your support for farmers and farming by giving today. Your gift will be doubled!
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Pictured in header: Bob at Berry Hill Farm in Westport, MA shares his farm transfer journey with our staff in a special video to mark our 20 years. | |
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