From the Executive Director | | |
Our farmers and communities face many current challenges. The government shutdown has halted crucial farmer programs, such as loans and disaster assistance, creating financial uncertainty. This fall, the Farm Bill expired, bringing an additional set of uncertainties. Federal actions and funding cuts have cancelled contracts, cut food assistance programs, caused market shifts, impacted labor, and created USDA staffing uncertainty.
In the face of all this, we invite you to draw hope and inspiration from our work together and what we can control:
| | “D and I are officially farm owners! We closed on the property last Monday. Thank you so much for all of your support through this process. It was so helpful to have your guidance, resources, and encouragement throughout the search.” | | “Your presentation was excellent and most helpful!” | Nearly 3,000 acres of farmland maintained or transferred as active farmlands this year so far. | | “We really, really appreciate your help on this revised lease: You helped get us over the hump and figure out our best strategy. I’m really, really glad how it turned out." | | |
At Land For Good, we’re committed to making sure farmers are able to thrive, steward our lands, and feed our communities. When farmers can't access or afford farmland, our food system becomes more fragile. At this critical time, with SNAP benefits suspended as of November 1st and many families facing food insecurity, we need to stand with our farmers to make sure they have what they need.
Beyond our direct services, we believe in the power of farmers' voices to shape policy. Sharing both positive impacts and specific challenges with your Members of Congress can influence future federal actions. If you're a farmer affected by recent federal action, consider sharing your story with the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapters or the National Young Farmers Coalition.
We are also struggling with cancelled federal contracts, but we are driven to influence a new future for farmers. Read on for more about our work:
- We aren't giving up! And we need you!
- Learn how to buy a farm, webinars begin November 6
- Work on your farm succession plan with help this winter
- Strengthen farmland access support & connect with providers
- Pay it forward with a donation!
Join us in fighting to keep local agriculture strong and essential land in farming. You can donate today!
| | |
With thanks,
Shemariah Blum-Evitts
Executive Director
| |
We aren't giving up! And we need you!
Farmers are facing unprecedented challenges. And farmland access isn’t getting any easier. That’s why Land For Good continues to show up for farmers and landowners who are navigating these difficult times.
What's at risk without continued, committed support:
-
Farmers reeling through high pressure decisions without support. We can meet farmers where they are to discuss intricate details of transferring their farm to a future farmer, a process that requires relationship building and years of support.
-
Land being lost to estate housing, development, or other non-agricultural uses. We can join your community or agricultural commission’s meeting to present an educational workshop about making land available for farming.
-
Portions of New England with limited access to LFG staff. We can empower farm seekers through individual advising with the knowledge they need to realistically navigate their available farmland options.
-
Repeating old patterns without innovations, limiting new farmers’ gaining access. We can bring together diverse networks of agricultural professionals from around the region to learn from one another and advance new ideas.
We need your support to continue to be there. Whether it’s a small amount, large amount, or a new donation, please give today to keep this critical work going! Monthly or annual commitments will greatly increase our ability to budget for next year and keep staffing at the fullest extent possible. We need at least $70,000 in donations over the next two months to end the year in a strong position that maintains our current projects and work. Reach out if you’d like to learn more or discuss new ideas. Thank you for your partnership!
Donate now or find ways you can show support.
|
Learn how to buy a farm! Webinars begin November 6th
Owning farmland is a dream for many farmers. But buying a farm can be a daunting, complex, and time-consuming process.
Help for first-time farm buyers! There's still time to register for this three-part webinar series, How to Buy a Farm, that will highlight key information and insights from a team of advisors. Plus hear from other farmers about their successful farm buying experience. Each webinar will offer opportunities for Q&A. This webinar series supplements a comprehensive guide to purchasing farmland that is soon to be released by Illinois FarmLink and Land For Good.
-
How to Buy a Farm webinar series
Dates: Thursdays, November 6, 13, and 20
Register now
Finding, getting onto, and holding land is much harder for beginning farmers than in past generations. Get more helpful resources for seeking farmland.
| |
Work on your farm succession plan with help this winter
Most farmers we work with want their land to stay in agriculture; the legacy of the land is often a cherished value. But few farm families have plans in place that articulate who their successor is and exactly how the land, equipment, business, and other assets will be divided among heirs or transferred to a successor.
Individual advising at no-cost is available for a limited time, if your farm is in New England, thanks to funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. We can help you clarify your goals, develop a farm transfer plan, build your team of advisors, and obtain educational resources. If necessary, we can also help you identify or recruit a farm successor, and work with you, your family, stakeholders, and/or successor toward a smooth transition. Contact us
Free online webinar series is coming this winter for transitioning farmers and junior generation farmers to learn the basics of succession planning, including how to get started, where to find advisors and additional resources, ask questions, and get help. All generations, including family and non-family members, who may play a role in the farm’s future are encouraged to attend. Four-part webinar series meets virtually on Thursdays in January at lunchtime, from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Register now
This winter Farm Succession School will help senior farmers and farm partners who are working toward retirement and farm transition. Dig in with a three-day intensive course designed to help you get next steps on paper with homework and assistance available between sessions. Plus share and learn from other farmers facing similar questions. Presenters include Land For Good staff, plus a business planner, an attorney, and a mediation/communication professional. Learn more
-
Massachusetts Farm Succession School
at MDAR Office, West Springfield, MA
Dates: January 26, February 23, and March 23
Register now
-
Maine Farm Succession School
at UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, Augusta, ME
Dates: January 28, February 25, and March 25
Register now
|
Strengthen farmland access support & connect with providers
A new peer network for early-career agricultural service providers in our region who are currently providing, or want to provide, farmland access support to farmers kicked off this fall: Northeast Farmland Access Network.
Join monthly drop-in sessions hosted virtually on the second Wednesday of the month from 2:00 - 3:30pm for peer networking and learning, with topics ranging from "soft skills" like mediation and dealing with power dynamics to financial readiness. We are working in collaboration with Farmland for a New Generation New York, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, and New Entry Sustainable Farming Project to develop this network and offer space to connect, share, and learn. Learn more
Funding provided by Northeast USDA Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) and other general supporters of Land For Good. While funding from RFBC was terminated in September, Land For Good and partners believe in the value of strengthening this network and will continue this offering.
| | |
Share your impact story
Over 215 farmers and landowners have advanced their farmland goals and completed farm transfers with our support so far this year, resulting in more than 3,055 acres maintained in agriculture.
Our team has extended education and resources to more than 2,225 additional farmers, producers, and providers just this year!
This work is creating lasting change for the farmers of today, and for generations to come. If you used our services this year, please watch for our annual impact survey in the coming weeks and take the opportunity to share your impact story.
| | |
Pay it forward with a donation!
You can be the difference that strengthens local agriculture and keeps land in farming.
Celebrate Giving Tuesday on December 2nd by joining millions of people around the world participating in the global generosity movement to support your favorite causes. Show your support of Land For Good’s work. We need your help now more than ever to keep New England’s farmland in farming.
Join a special webinar to discuss Planned Giving on December 2nd as a guest attorney speaks about ways to give a future charitable gift, leave a lasting legacy, and support Land For Good into the future. Discover how planned giving is for everyone — not just retirees or the very wealthy. Watch for webinar details!
Farmers continue to ask for our help every day. Without immediate support, too many farmers will lose their chance to stay on the land or never have the chance to access land to start or expand their farm.
Donate now
| | |
STAY CONNECTED
for news, highlights, farmer stories, resources, and trainings.
| | | | |
