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For some, farming is a dream come true.
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Autumn is the time of harvest
and
of gathering together.
As the
colors of the leaves and the harvest transition to winter,
we celebrate
the
farmers who provide us with fresh, healthy and bountiful food.
We are fortunate to be a part of farmers' stories of land and legacy. The future of farming
, our local food security, and our New England landscape
depend on farmers
' ability to
start, grow and pass on their farms
to new generations of farmers. Thank you for being part of a growing community that supports a vibrant landscape moving toward more farms managed by thriving farmers
.
In this issue, read more about how we're gaining ground for farmers:
Show your support for farmers, working farms and a resilient food system by sharing our good work and making a year-end donation. Thank you for putting more farmers more securely on more land.
Jim Habana-Hafner
Executive Director
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New Roots Cooperative farmers at groundbreaking ceremony with Lewiston mayor Robert Macdonald
(Photo credit Jenny Nelson
Maine Farmland Trust) |
 Breaking ground is a dream come true for Somali-Bantu farmers in Maine
The four farmers of New Roots Cooperative Farm broke ground this summer at their new 30 acre farm on the northside of Lewiston, ME. Over the past 18 months, the farmers worked with several collaborating organizations to realize their dream. LFG helped the farmers learn about tenure arrangements and develop skills for working with landowners. "The New Roots farmers are so inspiring," said Jo Barrett, Maine Field Agent at LFG who provided training, workshops, and relationship building. "Their resilience, hard work and love of farming have helped them adapt to a new culture and a new climate."
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Most senior farmers want to see their land remain in farming but many lack the tools or resources needed to look toward retirement and farm transition. |
Succession School is a first step for farmers looking to retirement & transition
Most senior farmers want to see their land remain in farming but many do not have a transfer plan or even an identified successor. If you are a farmer in this situation - or just want to get a jump on planning your farm's future, our Farm Succession School can help you tackle your biggest challenge. Open to farmers in all New England states! Three locations: Augusta, ME; Concord, NH; and Randolph, VT. Farmers can get help planning for their farm business, farmland, and
retirement with tools and advice that enables them to take next step.
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Save The Date! National Land Access Conference June 2017
Land access, agricultural land tenure and farm succession are priority challenges for US agriculture. USDA and groups across the country are addressing these issues with research, policies, programming and professional development. In cooperation with USDA, Land For Good will host Changing Lands, Changing Hands, a national conference on these topics bringing together practitioners, policymakers and advocates who work with and on behalf of farmers and landowners of all types, commodities, scales and regions. Early bird registration will open February 1st.
Read more
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With funding from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, LAP continues to improve access to land for our beginning farmers. (Photo credit: Ben Waterman) |
Year 1 Progress for Regional Land Access Project
The Land Access Project is a broad collaboration across six New England states that is increasing access to farmland for our region's beginning and established farmers. Project collaborators are working on multiple fronts with landowners, transitioning farm families, communities, policymakers and a wide range of service providers. In a successful first year, over 800 beginning farmers, transitioning farmers, landowners and service providers participated in over 45 LAP-partner workshops and similar events as coordination on land access gained more traction around New England.
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Upcoming events & trainings!
As part of training and public education, LFG frequently appears at local, regional and national events.
Read more
November 16, 2016
Working Lands Alliance Annual Meeting
Hartford, CT, Read more
November 18, 2016
Connecticut Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
North Haven, CT,
Read more
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Land For Good is proud to
present land access strategies, resources and tools to the
Farmer Veteran Coalition. |
November 30, 2016
Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference
East Lansing, MI, Read more
November 30, 2016
Farm Ownership & Transition Workshop
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Series
Brunswick, ME, Read more
December 2, 2016
New England Farmers Union Annual Convention
Hartford, CT, Read more
December 5, 2016
Maine Land Access Conference
Augusta, ME,
Read more
December 6, 2016
Maine Farm Succession School
Augusta, ME,
Read more
December 7, 2016
New Hampshire Farm Succession School
Concord, NH,
Read more
December 7, 2016
Municipal Land Leasing and Protection: A Focus on Farmland and Other Land
Greenfield, MA
December 7, 2016
Stone Barns Young Farmers Conference
Pocantico Hills, NY,
Read more
December 8, 2016
Vermont Farm Succession School
Randolph, VT,
Read more
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"It's important that farm owners and aspiring farmers have a resource that
can help them maintain land in production. I believe local farms will
become an increasingly important resource."
- Community Supporter & Donor
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Land For Good | 39 Central Square, Suite 306, Keene, NH 03431 | 603.357.1600
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