Protecting farmland, keeping farmers on the land, and supporting sound farm practices.

American Farmland Trust has helped to shape agriculture in the Pacific Northwest for more than twenty years. In Washington state, we work with partners and champions in government to advance policies that protect Washington farmland, support farm viability, enable farmers to adopt new practices, and bring a diverse new generation of farmers onto the land.

AFT plays a unique role in Olympia, bringing people together to advocate for a strong future for farming in Washington. We value strong partnerships, durable and strategic outcomes, and building bridges across challenging issues.

Our Priorities for Washington State Policies

• Feed a growing Washington with adequate funding to preserve Washington farmland, stronger land use protection, and more housing in existing urban footprints.
• Cultivate the next generation of farmers by advancing programs that prioritize access for beginning farmers, farmers of color, and veterans.
• Advance conservation and climate-smart practices that support soil health, farm viability, ecosystem services, and carbon sequestration.

Participation as Advisors and Collaborators

We serve as a member of several forums, coalitions, and committees where we help shape the future of farmland in Washington, including:

• Washington Food Policy Forum
• Washington Association of Land Trusts
• Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Farmland Advisory Committee
• Washington State Conservation Commission Easement Subcommittee
• Washington Natural Resources Conservation Service State Technical Advisory Committee and Easement Subcommittee