Chris Spencer

Chris joined American Farmland Trust with extensive experience in organic and regenerative farming, high tunnel and greenhouse management, and conservation planning. With a background in both hands-on farm management and technical assistance, Chris brings a well-rounded perspective to supporting farmers in sustainable and profitable agricultural practices.

Chris began his agricultural career as a Program Assistant at The Farm at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, where he spent two years supporting diversified vegetable production and conservation initiatives. He then spent five years as the High Tunnel & Wash/Pack Manager at Intervale Community Farm, overseeing protected cultivation, post-harvest handling, and organic farm management.

As an Implementation Specialist with American Farmland Trust, Chris worked closely with farmers and landowners to implement conservation practices, improve soil health, and navigate financial assistance programs. Through his role, he has helped producers integrate sustainable practices such as cover cropping, integrated pest management, and irrigation planning into their operations.

Chris specializes in Soil Health and Management, Integrated Pest Management, High Tunnel and Greenhouse Management, Organic Management, and Financial Assistance Programs. He provides expert guidance to farmers through AFT’s Prosperity Partners Program, offering Comprehensive Farm Assessments, Soil Health Testing and Management Planning, Business Planning, and support in navigating financial assistance programs and grants.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University at Albany.