Walpole, NH (January 20, 2026) – Since 2020, the NH Farm Future Fund has distributed $432,000 to 22 farms in partnership with 8 NH land trusts conserving 2,402 acres in 7 counties! In 2025, the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund supported 3 farms and 3 land trusts to conserve 588.9 acres of land with ag soils, grassland, and forestland. The fund distributed $60,000 to achieve the conservation and viability of these lands.

The 10 NH Conservation Districts are excited to announce the 2025 recipients of the NH Farm Future Fund:

Atkins Farm

The Atkins Farm project will protect 15.9 acres in Sandown, through the purchase of a conservation easement with an option to purchase at agricultural value (OPAV) by the Southeast Land Trust (SELT). SELT will use funds to help with easement costs including survey, environmental assessment, and/or legal/title expenses. The landowner is taking ownership of the farm from his parents’ estate and is working to bring the farm back into active production. Technical assistance may include lease agreement drafting, viability planning, soil evaluation, and easement legal review.

Hillside Springs Farm

The Hillside Springs Farm project will protect 53 acres in Westmoreland, through the purchase of a conservation easement by the Monadnock Conservancy. Hillside Springs Farm is a working vegetable farm with prime ag soils, ag soils of statewide importance, as well as grass land and forestland habitat. The technical assistance funds will likely be used to cover the farmer’s legal fees associated with the project and to address financial, tax, estate, and succession related planning.

Forcier Conservation Area

The Forcier Conservation Area will protect 520 acres in Haverhill, through the purchase of a conservation easement by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust. Technical assistance will focus on costs associated with legal and financial assistance, and conservation planning. The Farm Partner is very committed to this conservation project, keeping the property undeveloped and available for farming into the future. 

The mission of the NH Farm Future Fund is to provide funding for farm viability planning in concert with the conservation of important agricultural soils. This program enables the opportunity to place a conservation easement on important farmland and to invest in the future viability of the farm business. The ultimate goal is to ensure that farmland is conserved, productive, and available for future generations. 

Recipients of the NH Farm Future Fund will use awarded funds to offset the costs associated with farmland conservation and for technical assistance to support farm business viability and succession planning. Selected farms from across the state will work in partnership with a local land trust and receive technical assistance through the NH Community Loan Fund and Land for Good to achieve their goals.

The Farm Future Fund is a grant program that is privately funded by the You Have Our Trust Fund, with additional support from the Madison Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation, and administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District on behalf of the 10 County Conservation Districts. This program grew out of collaborations fostered by the NH Food Alliance.

Donations for this program are accepted by the CCCD year-round. For more information on the NH Farm Future Fund, visit: https://www.cheshireconservation.org/nhfff



About Cheshire County Conservation District

The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Our goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole, NH where we work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners For more information contact info@cheshireconservation.org or 603-904-3011.

About the NH Conservation Districts:

Since 1945 and 1946, the ten NH Conservation Districts have promoted the conservation and responsible use of the Granite State's natural and agricultural resources. For more information about the programs offered in your county, contact your local conservation district.

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