BFRDP Projects

In the "Expanding Integrated Solutions to Achieve Farmland Access for New Farmers" project, Jan Joannides, Executive Director of Renewing the Countryside with Co-PDs Lori Stern, Executive Director, Marbleseed, and Martha McFarland, Farmland Viability Coordinator, Practical Farmers of Iowa, along with Nathan Aaberg of The Land Connection in Illinois are expanding the services and network of the Farmland Access Hub to assist beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs) in obtaining secure access to land in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.

We are: 1) Helping BFRs become prepared to seek land; 2). Assisting BFRs in obtaining improved leases or purchasing land; 3). Working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) BFRs to reach these same goals; 4). Growing the network of Farmland Navigators and Support Service Providers (SSPs) to support the work; 5). Creating a thriving network of 70 Hub Partners to integrate our work and sustain longevity.
We expect 96 BFs will purchase farmland or obtain favorable lease or use agreements. An additional 120, BFRs will make progress towards accessing farmland. 11 Navigators will guide BFRs to specialized expertise from 30 SSPs. A Farmland Summit will strengthen partnerships, build strategies, and heighten awareness of BFR farmland access issues and opportunities.
Development of a business model and revenue plan will support long lasting impact. Dozens of project Partners will support the project. Listed: (https://www.renewingthecountryside.org/farmlandaccesshubPartners)
100% of the funds requested are allocated to nongovernmental organizations.