Agricultural Land Trusts

An Agricultural Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to protect farmland from development or loss. They do this by purchasing or accepting donations of land, then placing legal agreements called conservation easements on it. These easements limit future uses, like building houses or businesses, ensuring the land remains dedicated to agriculture. This helps preserve open space, supports local food production, and maintains rural landscapes for future generations. Land trusts collaborate with farmers, communities, and government agencies to balance farming needs with conservation goals, fostering sustainable land use and protecting valuable agricultural resources.