Farmland ConneCTions Guide

Farmland ConneCTions Guide

Summary

In the initial phase of the pilot (not funded by SARE), American Farmland Trust (AFT) and a team of 11 Expert Advisors met with approximately 15 representatives of towns and land trusts that are actively seeking to rent or lease farmland. The meeting provided an opportunity to help answer questions about leasing and to inform their vision for agriculture on the available farmland. AFT has begun the second phase of the project which will result in the publication of the Farmland ConneCTions Guide. We are currently drafting the guide and will soon share it with the Expert Advisors for editing.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Within the second phase of the project—the drafting and publication of the Farmland ConneCTions Guide (in part funded by SARE)—we have accomplished the following objectives:

We have reached agreement on major topics for content, list of additional towns and land trusts to interview, and a rough outline.

We finalized the outline, assembled sample lease materials, and identified and drafted case studies of community farms.

We are currently producing a draft of guide and will soon share with the Expert Advisors.

We have not yet finalized the text and design of the guide.

Accomplishments/Milestones

In February, 2010 and during the initial phase of the pilot (not funded by SARE), American Farmland Trust (AFT) and a team of 11 Expert Advisors met with approximately 15 representatives of towns and land trusts that are actively seeking to rent or lease farmland. Experts were able to answer questions about insurance, stewardship, length of lease, payment, and selecting a farmer. We successfully engaged the number and type of participants expected and accomplished our goals for the meeting.

In terms of drafting the Farmland ConneCTions Guide, we progressed more slowly than expected. In part due to an unexpected staff change, we are approximately 2-3 months behind the outline included in our proposal.

We are currently (in December) drafting the guide which we had anticipated completing by September 2010. The guide will likely be designed and printed in February 2011 (originally projected for October).

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The anticipated results of the project have not yet been realized as they are dependent upon the completion and dissemination of the guide. We have, however, had strong engagement of the Expert Advisors and representatives of towns and land trusts during the initial phase of the pilot, as exemplified by the “Meet the Experts” meeting in February. Attendees were able to connect with technical experts in a variety of ways including conservation planning for properties. Farmers in attendance learned about resources and eligibility for state and federal programs.

Collaborators: