American Farmland Trust: Our Work - Keeping Farmers on the Land

American Farmland Trust is working with farmers, planners and policy makers to ensure a regionally diverse structure for agriculture and more favorable economic conditions to keep farmers and ranchers on the land. Since most land use decisions are local, we work to create farm-friendly communities, demonstrate model approaches, educate partners and enact policies at all levels of government to support family farmers and keep land available and affordable for farming.

Planning for agriculture and food systems

Improving market opportunities and infrastructure

Transitioning land to a new generation

Assessing foodsheds and food systems

Spreading the No Farms No Food® message

What You Can Do

Join our No Farms No Food® Campaign and help support local farmers

Take the Seven Simple Steps to save farmland and support local farms

Send an E-Card and tell your friends to support local farms and food

Get AFT Action Alerts
Sign up today for the Action Network and help support policy efforts for local farm and food systems

Learn About the Issues

Think Globally – Eat Locally
Our San Francisco Foodshed Assessment examines the production and consumption of local food in the nation’s most abundant foodshed.

Sustaining Agriculture in Urbanizing Counties
This study identifies what it takes to create viable agriculture in areas facing substantial development pressures.

Across America

The Jones Family Farms near Shelton, Conn., located only 80 miles from the heart of New York City’s Times Square, is an outpost of organic growth in an otherwise suburban landscape. Customers pick their own berries, pumpkins, Christmas trees, or sip artisan wines in the farm’s winery tasting room. Read more

Weiser Farm, California
Southern California farmer Alex Weiser has a close connection with the 50+ Los Angeles area chefs and the hundreds of farmers market customers who buy his fresh produce. Utilizing sustainable farming practices has been a cornerstone for his community-oriented operation. Read more

See More Growing Local Across America