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

How Healthy Food Starts with Healthy Soil

AFT's Bonnie McGill is excited about this nutrient-density movement and how it connects to all the great work we’re already doing with farmers across the country to build soil health and further, healthy food.

Unlocking the Potential of Agrivoltaics in California and Colorado

Hear from AFT’s Smart Solar Program Coordinator on efforts to define agrivoltaics and encourage thoughtful policy and project design to benefit farmers, energy production, and land stewardship in California and Colorado.

Midwest Mid-Session Legislative Update: Growing Opportunities in Illinois

Since January, AFT has been planting seeds for improved agricultural policy across the Midwest. This blog is part of a three-part series spotlighting our work in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

Honoring & Empowering Farm Identities at Women in Agriculture Gatherings in Illinois

During this past Women’s History Month, AFT collaborated with local partners in Northern Illinois to host events focused on farmland succession planning, sharing resources to empower women farmers and landowners to guide their land or family farm transition to the next generation.

Midwest Mid-Session Legislative Update: Growing Opportunities in Indiana

Read on to learn what we’ve been up to in Indiana, what we’re working on now, and an action you can take to support better food and farm policy in your state!

Midwest Mid-Session Legislative Update: Growing Opportunities in Wisconsin

This blog is part of a three-part series spotlighting our work in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Read on to learn what we’ve been up to in Wisconsin, what we’re working on now, and an action you can take to support better food and farm policy in your state!

Meeting Farmers in the Field: Scouting for the Kentucky Rye Project

I recently spent time traveling and visiting Kentucky farmers growing rye as part of AFT's Kentucky Rye Cereal Crop Initiative.

Introducing American Farmland Trust’s New York Farmland Access Fund

AFT's New York Farmland Access Fund aims to holistically address land access and affordability challenges in New York.

Embracing Slowness: A Long-Term Commitment to the Vision of Sustainable Agriculture

Our AFT staff, Rachel, Floréal, and Marlee reflect on their experiences from the recent Marbleseed Organic Conference in February 2025 and the topic of embracing slowness as a strategy to commit to a larger vision of a sustainable future.

On Farm Transfer, Conflict Resolution, and Good Communication

AFT’s Brooks Lamb caught up with Claudia for a quick Q&A after the Land Transfer Navigators training in San Antonio, Texas. In the conversation below, they discuss farm transition planning, conflict management, role playing exercises—and the importance of good, consistent communication.

Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company and American Farmland Trust Partner to Advance Smart Solar Development

Chelsea Gazillo Supports California Policy for Food and Agriculture

Chelsea Gazillo is the new Senior California Policy Manager for AFT. She brings solid experience in agricultural policy and land protection.

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.

American Farmland Trust Kicks Off 18th Annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration With $15,000 in Prizes

The 18th annual AFMC runs Aug. 1 - Sept. 30 on markets.farmland.org. The event is a fun celebration that helps farmers markets across the country earn national recognition and local prestige. Markets can join the celebration and encourage their customers to vote, an excellent marketing tool and a pathway to winning a piece of the $15,000 prize pool.

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.

AFT Launches Beef Producer Economic Resilience Initiative

AFT’s Beef Grazing Network is launching a redesigned Beef Producer Economic Resilience Initiative, now part of USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers program.

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.