Farmland for the Next Generation: Land Access Training

Success for a new generation of farmers and ranchers hinges on whether they can secure suitable land to start and expand their operations. Yet this can be a major challenge.

In response, AFT partnered with experts in land access, to design “Farmland for the Next Generation,” a comprehensive 8-part land access trainer curriculum. Using a skills-based approach, the curriculum builds on what people need to be able to do, not just on what they need to know. It addresses three paths to land access: leasing, purchasing, and receiving land through inheritance or gift.

This work was co-created with experts in land access and transfer who represent communities from across the country.

The Educational Team provided overarching guidance in the creation of the Land Access Training Curriculum. They guided the conception of core competencies and learning objectives, provided input and revisions during curriculum development, and informed the delivery of pilot trainings.

The Land Access Trainer Cohort played a vital role in creating an adaptable curriculum. They were selected for their expertise and represent diversity in geography, agriculture and of the farmers and ranchers they serve. They field tested the curriculum with producers in their communities, provided on the ground feedback and helped shape the outcome the final product.

Click here to see the list of project partners.

Learn more about the project from our cohort of certified Land Access Trainers.

This project was led by AFT's Farms for a New Generation with support from our funders.

“Farmland for the Next Generation” was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Award # 2015-70017-23901. Special thanks also to the Farm Credit Contributions Program, Farm Credit East, Farm Credit-Mid America, and the members of American Farmland Trust for their generous cash and in-kind contributions.