In My Garden: A Q&A with AFT's Alissa White

Alissa White is AFT New England's Deputy Director, where she helps lead programs that support farmers, strengthen agricultural resilience, and advance soil health and climate solutions across the region. An agroecologist by training with a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont, Alissa has spent more than two decades working in agriculture in California and New England. Her work is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the people and landscapes that make agriculture possible.

For Alissa, connecting with the land is about so much more than food production or nature appreciation. For her, it contains lessons about persistence, interconnectedness, and being an attentive observer of the world — lessons that shape her approach to land stewardship and her work with AFT.

What was your first farming job, and what's one lesson from it that still guides you today?

My first farming job was at Middle Branch Farm in New Boston, New Hampshire. I helped harvest and prepare vegetables for CSA pickup.

The lesson that has stayed with me most is how to be at peace — and stay motivated — in the face of repetitive work. On my very first day, I picked green beans all day long. Leaning over or crouching to find the beans under the leaves, I snapped off every ripe bean pod individually to avoid damaging the plant. It felt like it took forever to pick what was needed to fill the CSA shares! Farming is great for building your work ethic. You just have to keep going and get it done.

What's a seasonal ingredient or harvest moment you wait for all year?

Garlic scapes, without question.

I love making scape pesto. I blend garlic scapes with cashews, lemon juice, and olive oil. It's simple, delicious, and one of those recipes that immediately tells me that summer has arrived—especially when spread on a thick slice of ripe tomato.

If you could design your dream farm or garden (real or completely impractical), what would you grow or raise and why?

Definitely tree crops.

I've felt spiritually connected to trees since I was a very small child. My dream would be to wander through the shade, gathering peaches, pears, & walnuts into a basket, enjoying the citrusy smell of the fresh walnut hulls, and then climb onto a branch or into a hammock to enjoy the harvest. It's a vision that's equal parts orchard and sanctuary.

What's your variety or breed allegiance — and will you defend it?

Pineapple tomatillo.

It's sweet, prolific, and comes with its own adorable paper wrapper. It's the perfect snack while wandering through the garden, and if you leave the husks on, they'll keep on the counter for ages. I will absolutely defend the pineapple tomatillo's place among the most underrated garden crops.

Can you think of a moment that helped you really understand why your work with American Farmland Trust matters?

It's always when I hear directly from farmers about how AFT programs or grants have made a difference in their operations.

Those conversations are a reminder that the work doesn't end with a report, meeting, or project milestone. The real impact is on farms, with real people, and hearing those stories firsthand is what keeps me motivated.

What's something you're planting this spring?

A new apple tree.

A windstorm took down my favorite apple tree last year, so this spring we're starting anew. Planting a replacement feels hopeful — an investment in the future and a reminder that resilience is part of gardening, farming, and life.

Determination and Care

Whether she's supporting farmers across New England, planting new trees at home, or perfecting a batch of garlic scape pesto, Alissa White brings the same mix of determination, curiosity, and care to both her work and the land she tends.

Learn more about Alissa’s work in this article, which explains what AFT’s research tells us about how conservation planning can be more comprehensible and practical for farmers in our region. 

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This is the second in a series highlighting members of AFT New England’s staff: the farmers, researchers, and organizers working alongside producers across the region. By putting faces to the work, we hope to share more about the people supporting resilient farms and thriving agricultural communities throughout New England.