Farmland for the Next Generation: Land Access Training

Success for a new generation of farmers and ranchers hinges on whether they can secure suitable land to start and expand their operations. Yet this can be a major challenge. American Farmland Trust is here to help.

Partnering with the nation’s leading experts in land access, we developed “Farmland for the Next Generation,” a comprehensive 8-part land access trainer curriculum. Our skills based approach focuses on what people need to be able to do, not just on what they need to know. It addresses three paths to land access: leasing, purchasing, and receiving land through inheritance or gift. Learn more about the project and resources for new generation land seekers and agricultural educators below.

“Farmland for the Next Generation” was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Award # 2015-70017-23901. Special thanks also to the Farm Credit Contributions Program, Farm Credit East, Farm Credit-Mid America, and the members of American Farmland Trust for their generous cash and in-kind contributions.

AFT’s work to support beginning farmers and ranchers find and secure land continues. Thanks to continued funding we, along with our partners, are developing curriculum to support the conversations and interpersonal skills needed during farm and ranch transition. Find out more about Transitioning Land to a New Generation on our project page and meet the new Transitioning Trainer Cohort.