October 11th, 2024
By Michael Shulman
AFT Celebrates National Farmers Day with Over $700,000 Awarded to Farmers and Ranchers Nationwide
(Washington, D.C.) American Farmland Trust (AFT) is proud to announce the disbursement of over $700,000 to 139 farmers across the United States through this year’s Brighter Future Fund. This milestone brings the total amount awarded since the program’s launch in 2020 to new heights, showcasing AFT’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of farmers. The announcement comes just ahead of National Farmer’s Day, a fitting time to celebrate the crucial role America’s farmers play in feeding the nation and stewarding the land.
Farmers from all walks of life applied for support, but priority was given to those facing the greatest barriers. Over 50% of those awarded identified as beginning farmers, with 30% being under 34 years of age. And over 60% of those awarded identified as women. Grants were awarded to help these farmers invest in professional services, vital equipment, and infrastructure with a special emphasis on improving farm viability, accessing farmland, and adopting regenerative agricultural practices. Over half of those awarded have projects focused on improving the overall viability of their farms.
“The number of applicants this year reflects the growing need for meaningful support in the farming community,” said Ashley Brucker, Senior Manager of Grantmaking, Brighter Future Fund & Farm Viability. “The Brighter Future Fund has become a beacon of hope for farmers who are looking to not only overcome challenges but also innovate and thrive. This year’s success is due to the combined effort of our donors, staff, and, most importantly, the farmers and ranchers who share their dreams and dedication with us. Together, we are helping shape a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture.”
The Brighter Future Fund, established in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was created to help farmers navigate a variety of challenges, from market volatility to climate impacts, while supporting greater equity and opportunities for all in agriculture. With initial support from the Tillamook County Creamery Association, the program has grown into a vital resource for farmers seeking flexible funding to sustain viable farm business, access, transfer, or permanently protect farmland, and adopt regenerative practices. The fund is supported by the generosity of AFT’s corporate partners like Applegate, ButcherBox, Domino’s, Giant Food, H-E-B, iHeartMedia, and Olo, along with thousands of individual donors and members of American Farmland Trust.
“Olo is proud to support the Brighter Future Fund and the incredible farmers who are working tirelessly to build a more resilient and sustainable food system for all,” said James Rooney, Senior Director of ESG Strategy at Olo. “We believe in the importance of empowering farmers with the resources they need to overcome challenges and innovate for the future, and we’re honored to be part of this impactful program alongside AFT and other dedicated partners.”
This year, thanks to a generous gift from H-E-B’s Spirit of Giving Fund, additional grants were made available to farmers and ranchers affected by the historic Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle. These crucial funds will allow farmers to rebuild and replace vital infrastructure, equipment, cattle, and more that were destroyed in the early 2024 wildfires.
“We’re proud to support disaster recovery efforts to those farmers and ranchers working to rebuild their businesses following devastating wildfires in Texas. Through the Brighter Future Fund, we’re committed to helping communities regain their footing and thrive once again,” said Sarah Fulton-Smith, AFT’s Texas Regional Director.
As the Brighter Future Fund continues to grow, AFT remains steadfast in its mission to ensure farmers across the country have the resources, training, and financial support they need to build lasting, sustainable farms. For more details on AFT’s grantmaking initiatives, visit farmland.org/grantmaking.
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American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.