Farmland Access

Access to land with appropriate soil, terrain, and infrastructure is a necessity for willing and capable farmers to grow food, fiber, and other specialty crops. For a producer, “farmland access” translates into land tenure by way of ownership or through a rental agreement. However, emerging farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to locate available farmland and achieve tenure.

Residential and commercial development of agricultural land, along with steadily rising real estate prices, is making farmland scarce and unaffordable for many young and beginning farmers. Without the ability to secure long-term tenure near thriving markets it is difficult for an emerging farmer to succeed. The vitality of a farm business relies on building up many years of wealth, soil health, infrastructure, and a loyal customer base, particularly with perennial crops that take years to establish, such as fruit.

With aging farmers retiring at a higher rate than emerging farmers become established, the issue of farmland access is now recognized as an impending crisis from both a food security and a climate crisis standpoint. We need humans practicing regenerative farming to keep other humans fed, protect and restore native ecosystems, and help to reverse carbon emissions by keeping roots in the ground year-round.

Thankfully, there are a growing number of resources available to both emerging farmers and exiting farmers to help facilitate the transition of land in ways that benefit both parties and preserve our precious farmland for future generations. A large network of agricultural producers, policymakers, advocates, and service providers are exploring alternative land access models and developing farmland access programs. The primary goals within this network are to get more farmers on the land, protect farmland from development or degrading agricultural practices, and ensure that it is held by responsible stewards for a healthier and safer future.

Our land transition pages are designed to provide details about resources available to incoming and exiting farmers. Find the tools you need to plan your future below.