American Farmland Trust Grows Pacific Northwest Land Transfer Support Program

Succession Planning Support Now Available Across Washington State 

(Bellingham, WA) American Farmland Trust (AFT) announces the expansion of its Pacific Northwest Land Transfer Support Program, which provides succession planning assistance for Washington’s farmers and ranchers. With a focus on tailored, one-on-one coaching and long-term support, the program addresses a critical gap in Washington State.

“Two-thirds of farmland owners are approaching retirement and ready to transfer their land to the next generation, yet few have a clear plan in place for doing so,” said AFT Pacific Northwest Regional Director Addie Candib. 

The risks are high for farmers and ranchers without a succession plan. For example, an unexpected illness or accident can precipitate the rapid sale of a farm, undermining opportunities for the next generation of producers and the stewardship investments made into the land. 

According to Candib, “Until now, no one entity in Washington State has served as a regional hub for succession planning resources or provided affordable, accessible, and inclusive succession planning support, especially for small-scale farms and those without an identified heir. American Farmland Trust is filling this gap with a unique programmatic approach designed to meet producers’ needs.”  

Through the Land Transfer Support Program, farmers, ranchers, and landowners can access information and resources, get help to clarify their goals and vision for their succession planning process, prepare for conversations with family members and business partners, and connect with attorneys, business advisors, and other experts.

AFT’s approach relies on a growing team of talented Land Transfer Specialists. Since 2024, Land Transfer Specialist Elizabeth Bragg has directly supported over 40 farm and ranch families around Washington State and reached dozens more through educational workshops and presentations. Bragg, based in Skagit County, is also a farmer and involved in a succession planning process of her own. In January, AFT welcomed Land Transfer Specialist Tanner Williams to the team. Williams, based in Spokane County, brings a background in real estate, land-use planning, and conservation easements.

Through frequent phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person visits, Bragg and Williams provide resources and referrals and partner with landowners over time to make sure they feel supported to follow through and make progress on their plans. "Many of the folks I work with have expressed relief and gratitude that they have someone working with them,” says Bragg. “Moving at the speed of trust means we are making really deep connections." 

AFT also works closely with other local and regional agricultural and conservation organizations to host educational events on succession planning, and to ensure that producers get the specific support they need at the right time. Thanks to support from the Washington Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other funders, this assistance is available at no cost to the landowners.  

“For over 25 years, AFT has worked to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land in Washington State, and we are proud to now be supporting Washington’s agricultural communities more deeply through our Land Transfer Support Program,” said Candib.  

Interested in learning more about the Land Transfer Support Program? Visit the program webpage to access resources, get to know the Land Transfer Specialists, and request support: https://farmland.org/pnw-land-transfer-support   

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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.