Walpole, NH (November 7, 2022) – The NH Association of Conservation Districts and the ten County Conservation Districts are excited to announce a third round of NH Farm Future Fund recipients: Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust & Swiftwater Farm in Bath, The Forest Society & Morrill Farm Dairy in Concord, and Five River Conservation Trust & Blue Moon Berry Farm in Warner.
In 2022, the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund worked with 3 farms, and 3 land trusts to conserve 388 acres of land. Of those acres, 199 were agricultural soils. In 2022, the fund distributed $60,000 to achieve the conservation and viability of these soils.
The mission of the NH Farm Future Fund is to provide funding for farm viability planning in concert with the conservation of important agricultural soils. This program will leverage the singular opportunity of putting a conservation easement on farmland to also invest in the future viability of the farm business. The goal of this fund is to ensure that farmland is conserved, productive, and available for future generations.
Recipients of the NH Farm Future Fund will apply awarded funds toward offsetting the costs associated with farmland conservation projects, and for technical assistance to support farm business viability and succession planning. Selected farms from across the state will work in partnership with their local land trust and receive technical assistance through the NH Community Loan Fund and Land for Good to achieve their goals.
The Farm Future Fund is a grant program that is privately funded by the You Have Our Trust Fund, with additional support from the NH Charitable Foundation, and administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District on behalf of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts and the ten County Conservation Districts. This program grew out of collaborations fostered by the NH Food Alliance.
About the CCCD:
The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Our goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole, NH where we work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners. For more information, contact Amanda Littleton at amanda@cheshireconservation.org or 603.756.2988 Ext.4
About NHACD:
Since 1946, the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts (NHACD), has provided statewide coordination, representation, and leadership for Conservation Districts to conserve, protect, and promote responsible use of New Hampshire’s natural resources. NHACD works collaboratively with county districts, federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofits, and other conservationists as a volunteer, tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. For more information visit www.nhacd.net
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