Jeremy Barker Plotkin

Jeremy joined American Farmland Trust with over 25 years of experience in organic and regenerative farming, conservation planning, and farm business development. As the co-owner and operator of Simple Gifts Farm, a 50-acre integrated vegetable and livestock farm, he has firsthand experience managing all aspects of sustainable agriculture, from crop planning and livestock integration to business expansion and infrastructure development.

Throughout his farming career, Jeremy marketed produce through a diversified approach, including a farm store, Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmer’s markets, and an online store. He played a key role in business development, securing financing and overseeing the construction of critical farm infrastructure such as greenhouses, a wash/pack facility, refrigeration, photovoltaics, and a biomass heating system.

Jeremy has been a leader in advancing soil health practices, integrating beef cattle, laying hens, and pigs into vegetable production to support regenerative soil health. He pioneered the transition to organic no-till vegetable production and has successfully secured grant funding to implement research trials on transferred mulch systems, disease resistance in heirloom tomatoes, and alternative crop nutrition programs.

As an Implementation Specialist, Jeremy has facilitated connections between farmers and NRCS conservation programs, helping producers implement sustainable practices on their farms. He has also participated in mentorship programs for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and high tunnel production, supporting farmers in improving their growing systems.

Jeremy specializes in Soil Health and Management, Crop Planning, Integrated Pest Management, Irrigation and Water Conservation, Greenhouse Energy Efficiency, and Farm Business Development. Through AFT’s Consults Program, he provides expert guidance in Comprehensive Farm Assessments, Soil Health Testing and Management Planning, Business Planning, Organic Production and Transition to Organic, Greenhouse Energy Assessments, and Nutrient Management.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Earlham College and a Master’s Degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Maine. He is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).