2026 Legislative Wrap-Up: Farmland Wins Across New England

New England had a mixed year for farmland this session — some real wins, some hard-fought compromises, and a few reminders of how much work is still ahead.

AFT Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act

AFT Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act

Washington State 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up

Highlighting a recent policy update that offers a perspective on our work to advance farmland protection and support agricultural viability across Washington State in 2026.

A Deep Dive into the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

From the Field with AFT’s Midwest Conservation Agronomist

The following is a running field update based on what I’m seeing while scouting across my area—crop progress, field conditions, and anything that stands out week to week.

Protecting Indiana Farmland: What Local Residents Can Do Right Now

Indiana is paving over its future. Year over year, we lose nearly 29,000 acres of Hoosier farmland due to accelerating pressures from urban sprawl, large-scale industrial development, energy infrastructure, and technology facilities. Indiana’s fertile soils are one of the state’s most valuable and irreplaceable assets. Once they're gone, however, so are the farmers’ livelihoods, agricultural heritage, and long-term potential they represent. The time to act is now.

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

Meet Alissa White, Deputy Director of AFT New England, and discover how her passion for farming, soil health, conservation, and supporting farmers is helping build more resilient agricultural communities across New England.

2026 Legislative Wrap-Up: Farmland Wins Across New England

New England had a mixed year for farmland this session — some real wins, some hard-fought compromises, and a few reminders of how much work is still ahead.

Centering Farmer Experiences in Planning and Disaster Relief

Learn how American Farmland Trust's latest research is helping shape more effective conservation planning, climate disaster relief, and soil health programs by centering farmers' experiences and expertise.

Helping New England Livestock Farmers to Thrive

Discover how American Farmland Trust's Integrated Whole Farm Planning Pilot is helping New England livestock farmers strengthen farm viability through business planning, conservation support, succession planning, and peer networks that build long-term resilience.

Tillage Reduction, Biochar and Living Clover: AFT Partners with Island Grown Initiative to Explore and Advance Soil Health Practices

Discover how American Farmland Trust and Island Grown Initiative are advancing soil health through reduced tillage, biochar, and living clover trials.

Working Hard for West Tennessee Farmers

Learn more on how Brad Buttrey helps farmers implement conservation practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality, and support human and non-human communities in Tennessee.

Bear Roots Farm: Building Resilience Through Diversification in Central Vermont

Bear Roots Farm in central Vermont is building climate resilience through diversified farming, perennial crops, soil health practices, and community support. Learn how this innovative farm is adapting to extreme weather while strengthening its business and local food system.

Small Dollars for Big Impact: How Micro-Grants Radically Improve Small Farm Operations

When conservation is captured in acres, not feet, how do we talk about the impact of urban farms within the agricultural ecosystem?  I would argue one way is through ingenuity, creativity, and community impact. Most urban farms in the Midwest were not created solely focused on making a profit. The farmers have a strong desire to give back to their communities and the earth all while growing their small businesses. Last year, we profiled three urban farmers in and near Kansas City, Missouri who received micro-grants of $3,500 through a partnership between American Farmland Trust and a Kansas City-based urban agriculture non-profit, Cultivate Kansas City.

Virginia Advances Agrivoltaics: What the New Law Means for Solar, Farmland and Farmers

Virginia's new agrivoltaics definition marks an important milestone in the conversation about solar development and farmland. Drawing on farmer perspectives and AFT's Smart Solar℠ approach, this article explores what the legislation means for agriculture, energy, and rural communities.

Meet Michelle Bieneck: Building a Regenerative Organic Farm in Southern Oregon

AFT programs highlight peer learning for farmers committed to advancing conservation, land stewardship, and community resilience in their communities. This Farmer Profile is funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to highlight inspiring farmers who work to protect, steward, and manage U.S. farmland.

AFT Announces New Initiative to Empower Farmers and Ranchers at Idaho Summit

Farming with the Seasons: On-Farm Soil Health Videos with Randy and Jayden Salisbury

American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Cargill partnered to create educational videos for corn and soybean farmers interested in adopting soil health practices, including cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management. Both AFT and Cargill recognize that a major barrier to the adoption of soil health is knowledge of technical details, like cover crop species selection or termination options, and understanding the potential costs and benefits for their operation.

AFT Applauds USDA Announcement of Regenerative Pilot Program

From Family Roots to Farmer Networks: Growing Soil Health in Illinois

Since starting with American Farmland Trust in June, I have worked with farmers across the state of Illinois through our Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) program. Attending the FLASH group meetings, I’ve met many passionate conservationists dedicated to protecting farmland for future generations, a sentiment very personal and important to me. I grew up in Ramsey, a small town in south-central Illinois. My family has been farming in the area since around the 1850s; my great-grandmother grew up on the same farm as I did. My dad still farms the land, maintaining an operation of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.

American Farmland Trust Applauds Introduction of Relief for Farmers Hit With PFAS

Five Years, One Farmer-Led Cohort: What Vermont Dairy Farmers Learned by Working Together

Over five years, seven Vermont dairy farmers built a tight-knit farmer-led learning cohort that became a practical space to compare approaches, troubleshoot challenges, and try new grazing and business-planning ideas.

Strengthen Your Farm: 2026 AFT Regenerate Virginia Grants Open Dec. 1–19

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has announced a call for applications for its 2026 Regenerate Virginia grant opportunities, open from December 1 to December 19, 2025.

AFT Applauds New NRCS Office of the Assistant Chiefs

Cultivating Wins for California’s Agricultural Lands and Farmers: American Farmland Trust’s 2025 Policy Report

During the first year of the 2025–2026 California State Legislature, AFT led coalitions to advance California agriculture policy that strengthens climate resilience, expands land access, protects farmland, and secures major investments through Cap-and-Invest, the SALC program, and Proposition 4 climate-smart agriculture funding.

Adapting to Meet the Needs of America’s Farmers and Ranchers

As agriculture evolves, American Farmland Trust is scaling its programs, research, and regional teams to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers across the country. Learn how AFT’s new leadership structure and expanded national initiatives are driving innovation, resilience, and farmland protection.

Growing Fertilizer in the Heart of Virginia: One Farmer's Story of Resilience

Virginia farmer Bob Waring is redefining agriculture by “growing fertilizer” through regenerative practices that boost soil health, resilience, and profits.

Getting Our Hands in the Dirt: Celebrating Five Years of Soil Health Stewards

Five years ago, American Farmland Trust launched the Soil Health Stewards program with an ambitious idea: if we could train the people protecting farmland to also champion healthy soils, the benefits would ripple far beyond property lines.