COSAP Co-op Launches Sustainable Apparel Collection to Raise Awareness and Support for AFT’s Farmland for a New Generation New York Program
Saratoga Springs, NY— American Farmland Trust (AFT) is proud to partner with Community Supported Apparel Cooperative (COSAP Co-op), a community-driven brand for a better food system, to raise awareness and funds for AFT’s Farmland for a New Generation New York program. Through sales from a limited-edition and ethically made apparel collection, COSAP Co-op will directly aid AFT’s work to help new farmers access land and resources to support their farming journey.
New York is facing a wave of farm transition with a third of farmers currently age 65 and older, owning two million acres of land that is set to change hands, putting it at-risk of being lost to development. Yet, there is hope. A new generation of farmers are seeking land to put down roots and become the next stewards of the land. While they face daunting challenges in finding suitable farmland at prices they can afford, organizations like AFT are working hard to build networks and provide support to help them succeed.
“We are thrilled to partner with the team at COSAP Co-op to share this sustainably made apparel collection and to be among the first organizations selected for their giving back program,” said Heidi Exline, New York & New Jersey Deputy Director at American Farmland Trust. “The work AFT does to help new and next generation farmers through the Farmland for a New Generation New York program is in harmony with COSAP and their commitment to supporting a better food system through environmental and human stewardship.”
“Bringing our first partner collection to life with AFT is such an honor,” said Emily Deevers, Co-founder and Worker Member of COSAP Co-op. “AFT’s initiatives inspire the work we do to spread our shared values through mindfully sourced products. We strongly believe that through these partnerships we can collectively work together to have a larger impact in our food system.”
Designed by Leigha Morris, a farmer, artist, and advocate who brings the realities of small-scale farming to life through her designs, her work highlights the balance between resilience and vulnerability in agriculture, from protecting biodiversity to preserving land for future generations. Every piece in this collection reflects her lived experience at Odd Crop Farm in New York, reminding us that hope is what keeps farmers going, season after season. “I think the preservation of small farms, food justice work, and so on is about hope,” said Leigha Morris. “We all go through so many elements, setbacks, frustrations, and more each season to start again in March with quite a bit of hope.”
The collection features a long-sleeve 100% cotton tee, an upcycled 100% cotton bandana, a peel and stick patch made with recycled plastic, and a full-color print on sustainable paper. The collection is currently available for purchase and pre-order through the COSAP Co-op website, along with more information about the collaboration and opportunities to get involved.
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About AFT: 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.
About COSAP Co-op: COSAP Co-op is a community-supported apparel brand dedicated to building a better food system. We create ethically made, farm-focused clothing that raises awareness and funds for food system reform and food justice. Every purchase directly supports the farmers, workers, and organizations shaping a more just and sustainable future.
