American Farmland Trust Names J. Michael Baise Midwest Director

American Farmland Trust Names J. Michael Baise Midwest Director

CONTACT:

Michele Wells: (303) 417-0696, mwells@wellscommunications.net

Washington, D.C.—American Farmland Trust (AFT) has appointed J. Michael Baise its Midwest Director of Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. In this position Mike will manage projects that help farmers improve water quality, engage stakeholders to develop policy, and find practical solutions that result in viable farms and an improved environment.

“We’re excited about Mike joining our team. He has extensive knowledge pertaining to agriculture and management that will allow him to help AFT implement the organization’s initiatives.” said Jon Scholl, President of AFT. “Mike will help represent AFT in a way that is conducive to helping farmers improve conservation practices while promoting farmland protection policies.”

“I am very excited to be a part of the AFT organization, and I am looking forward to working with Midwestern farmers to enhance the protection of our precious land and water resources,” added Baise.

Previously, Baise worked at the Indiana Farm Bureau as the Strategic Issues Management Coordinator and as Director of Agricultural Development and Natural Resources. While there, he developed strategies to address key public policy issues. He also developed and marketed a legislative property tax proposal to protect Indiana property owners from excessive tax increases. For his collaborative conservation efforts, Baise received the Partners in Conservation Award from the U.S. Department of Interior.

Baise started his career at the Illinois Department of Agriculture, eventually serving as Assistant Director. His work there included developing budget guidelines, program initiatives and coordinating policy and senior level planning.

Baise received his Master of Public Affairs, from the School of Public & Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a MS in Agricultural Economics at the University of Illinois.

Baise will continue his professional policy management, natural resource and agriculture experience at AFT beginning January 3, 2012. He can be contacted at (317) 508-0756 or via email at mbaise@farmland.org.

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American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms. Since its founding in 1980 by a group of farmers and citizens concerned about the rapid loss of farmland to development, AFT has helped save millions of acres of farmland from development and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more.

AFT’s national office is located in Washington, DC. Phone: 202-331-7300. For more information, visit www.farmland.org.