How you (yes,you!) can create land access for emerging farmers

Did you know land access is an emerging farmer’s #1 hurdle to getting started?

This data comes from the National Young Farmers Coalition 2022 survey.

With prohibitive land prices and lots of deep-pocketed competition, it’s hard for folks to get their foot in the farming door these days.

So, What’s an emerging farmer?

The MN Dept. of Agriculture states “’emerging farmers’ include historically underserved communities including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrants, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, young and beginning farmers, LGBTQ+, and others.

“The term reflects the diversity and intersectionality of farmers, and the way that barriers affect multiple communities at the same time.

‘Emerging’ refers to something that is starting to exist, or something which is just beginning to be noticed. In this regard, Emerging Farmers encompasses both those individuals who are entirely new to farming as well as those individuals who have been farming for generations but were outside the scope of traditional state and Federal agricultural support programs.”

Why are emerging farmers IMportant?

Put simply: they are our crucial next generation of farmers.

In a recent article, UW-Extension made the case for why we need to support these farmers, including:

• Our current producers are aging out and about 70% of farmland will change hands in the next 20 years
• At the same time, access to land is the most significant barrier facing the many incoming farmers eager to grow food and fiber
• Without intentional efforts to make agricultural land available to incoming farmers, future generations will find themselves in the midst of a land access crisis
• Land is deeply intertwined with all aspects of farmers’ success and land access is critical to community health
• Now is the time to protect one of our most precious natural resources, farmland, and that process begins with providing current landowners with alternatives to selling the land for development

So, how can you, as a landowner, make a difference?

With farmland access as the number one hurdle for emerging farmers to get started, you can give the next generation a leg up and maybe a life-changing opportunity.

You don’t have to own hundreds of acres, and it doesn’t need to be farmland!

An acre will do, and a church with a big parcel can start a community garden.

Here’s some options to consider:

• Lease a portion of your land to an emerging farmer – This option provides multiple benefits to both parties when it’s a good match and a good lease
• Register with the Farmland Access Hub – FoxRAP is a Hub member and this organization works to connect land seekers with landowners
• Post your land on land-link websites – Options include Marbleseed’s Land Link Up, the Farmland Clearinghouse, the Minnesota or Illinois FarmLinks, and Midwest Grazing Exchange if you want your land in pasture
• Start a transition plan – It’s never too early to start this all-important process. What will happen to your farm, land, and/or business after you’re gone? With a transition plan, you can make that decision, and even choose your successor.

FoxRAp is here to help!

With the support of our community and folks like you, FoxRAP is building equitable community, land access, and support for regenerative farmers to thrive.

We are here to guide when you’re not sure where to start. We’re also happy to connect you to our growing list of community partners, when different skillsets or resources are needed.

And we are just a phone call or email away.

Take time today to consider how you will make your intentional effort to create land access for the emerging farmers that we all depend on.