Blog

In addition to Farm Aid’s work throughout the year to build a thriving family farm-centered system of agriculture, Farm Aid funds family farm and rural service organizations through an annual grant program. We thank Farm Aid for their continued support of Land For Good. We are proud to be one of many 2022 grant recipients […]

Land is an essential element of farming, but most farmland in New England isn’t being farmed. As a landowner, when you make land available for farming you help secure a future for farming in your community. From a small vegetable plot to acreage for livestock, partnering with farmers to create productive and sustainable uses for […]

Most farmers that we work with want their land to stay in agriculture, but very few have plans in place that articulate how the land, equipment, business, and other assets will be divided among the next generation or unrelated operator. Succession planning can present challenges, and each situation is unique. We have helped hundreds of farmers […]

Access to land remains a top challenge for many farmers, especially new, young, or socially disadvantaged farmers. Farmers face common challenges and obstacles – appropriate land is hard to find and expensive to buy, renting land can seem insecure or feel like a risky investment, and farming can feel isolating. For these reasons and more, […]

As a young, first-generation farmer in Litchfield County, Connecticut, I know firsthand that land is deeply intertwined with all aspects of farmers’ success, and it does not just impact farmers—land access is critical to the health and well-being of our environment, economy, and communities. During my tenure as a farmer, I have experienced a multitude […]

Back by popular demand, Acquiring Your Farm returns this winter! We’re excited to announce the return of an online training series for new and beginning farmers preparing to access farmland in New England. Access to land remains a top challenge for all farmers. Although agricultural land tenure has always been an issue, the consensus is […]

Farm succession planning is critically important for all farms. Preparing for such an important transition helps ensure that you achieve your goals. A full succession plan addresses the future of the business, the farmer, and the land. One of the questions we hear most often from farmers about farm succession is, “Where do I start?” […]

Please join us in welcoming Eliza Baker-Wacks to our team as the new Maine Field Agent! Eliza has seen the challenges of and lack of education regarding farmland access. She is keen to be helpful to other farmers on their paths to acquiring land. A graduate of Colby College with a degree in Environmental Policy, […]

Land access is a prime challenge to farmers, particularly new and beginning farmers. Ninety percent of the 20,000 landowners that lease out active farmland in New England are non-farmers. Non-farming landowners play a crucial role in supporting secure land tenure and food security in this region. Land For Good, together with the New England Farm […]

Land For Good announces that Jim Habana Hafner will step down as Executive Director this summer after nine years with the organization. Jim joined Land For Good in 2013 as Deputy Director and became Executive Director in 2015 as part of a planned leadership transition. Jim has played an integral role in the organization’s growth […]

Berkshire County, Massachusetts has a rich history of agriculture. Today it supports a huge diversity of farms from large, multi-generational dairy farms to small, urban vegetable operations, as well as farmers markets, farm stands, and many farm-focused events.  But conditions in Berkshire County call for increased attention to farmland access and transfer. An aging farmer […]

Access to land remains a top challenge for all farmers. Group farmland access can solve some land access obstacles and offer multiple benefits. Many farmers are exploring ways to farm collectively. This can allow farmers to share resources, assets, knowledge, skills, equipment, labor—and the expense of land. Farmers face common challenges. By working together, in […]