NH Farm Future Fund
Ensuring the conservation and viability of the Granite State's agricultural soils since 2020
The mission of the NH Farm Future Fund is to integrate farm viability planning in concert with the conservation of agricultural soils.
Since 2020, the NH Farm Future Fund has distributed over $372,000 to protect over 1,813 acres of land throughout the Granite State.
The New Hampshire Farm Future Fund brings together land trusts and farms to conserve farmland, while improving the viability of farm businesses.
Photo Credit: Foster's Daily Democrat, Tuckaway Farm
This innovative approach connects farmers to experts in business planning, succession planning, technical assistance, legal services, and more!
Through the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund, land trusts conserve and protect important agricultural soils, while also supporting farmer's goals for their land and businesses.
Photo Credit: Picadilly Farm
In it's first grant round in 2020, the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund worked with 5 farms, and 5 land trusts to conserve 755 acres of land. Of those acres, 303 were agricultural soils. In 2020, the fund distributed $92,000 to achieve the conservation and viability of these soils.
Click on the map points to learn more about each project!
In 2021, the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund worked with 5 farms, and 5 land trusts to conserve 236 acres of land. Of those acres, 101 were agricultural soils. In 2021, the fund distributed $100,000 to achieve the conservation and viability of these soils.
Click on the map points to learn more about each project!
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.
Click on the map points to learn more about each project!
In 2023, the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund worked with 5 farms, and 3 land trusts to conserve 511 acres of land. Of those acres, 162 were agricultural soils. In 2023, the fund distributed $200,000 to achieve the conservation and viability of these soils.
Click on the map points to learn more about each project!
In 2024, the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund worked with 1 farm and 1 land trust to conserve 23.5 acres of land. Of those acres, all were agricultural soils. In 2024, the fund distributed $20,000 to achieve the conservation and viability of these soils.
Click on the map points to learn more about the awarded project project!
New Hampshire Farm Future Fund Case Study: Clyde Farm
Clyde Farm: A Closer Look
Jimi Tutor and Kristen Klenow of Clyde Farm moved to the Granite State six years ago. Prior to their current farm location, the couple had started Clyde Farm on leased land through a CSA partnership.
The Search for Land
Jimi and Kristen knew that if they wanted to create a sustainable farm and business, they would have to acquire their own land. As beginning farmers, this was a daunting and inaccessible task.
Southeast Land Trust Partnership
Their leased farmland had been under easement of the Southeast Land Trust (SELT). Jeremy Lougee, Senior Conservation Project Manager and Farmland Coordinator of SELT was determined to help the couple find the perfect farm property to sustain their farm and business.
The New Hampshire Farm Future Fund's Role
In 2020, SELT purchased a permanent conservation easement on the 135-acre Carlsen Farm. In conjunction with the purchase of the farm, Clyde Farm was able to negotiate a farm lease on the property, with an option to buy. Through the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund, this easement arrangement was made possible, while also funding Clyde Farm's business planning and enterprise analysis goals. Jeremy Lougee of SELT notes, "It’s really rewarding to know that the farmland you are protecting is also going to be viable for the farmers and that they are going to have a jumpstart to their operations on the new land that they are cultivating".
Impact
The NH Farm Future Fund has made it possible for Clyde Farm to find a permanent home in the Granite State.
The financial support the fund provides, allows farmers to reach their business and conservation goals.
Jimi Tutor notes, "The fund is paying for things that most beginning farmers usually have no option to even consider". He notes that the fund has allowed them to priotize legal and business consultation services, which would not have been possible otherwise. Instead of choosing between a consultant, or a needed new piece of equipment, the fund opens the possibility to do both.
Jimi notes, "The fact that the fund is able to pay for stuff that we wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise, and the fact that we are able to steer it, is pretty unique".
The NH Farm Future Fund goes beyond supporting farms and conservation goals, it also ensure the viability of farm businesses and food systems as a whole.
On the impact of the fund, Jeremy Lougee of SELT notes, "The farm future fund allows us to broaden our perspective and at the same time we are protecting the land, we are supporting the farm business and setting that farm business up for success and long term viability. That ultimately results in a broader benefit to everyone. The very reason we are trying to protect the land is to ensure it is going to be productive and produce food for the local community. That doesn’t just happen by protecting the land, you really have to put energy and support into the farm business and the farmers themselves. That’s why this program is so innovative. It recognizes that there are costs to both protecting land, and costs to supporting the farmer and the farm business. A little support, at the right moment in time, goes a very long way in making the long term productivity of the land thrive".
"The NH Farm Future Fund is an integrated model combining agriculture production, business viability, farm succession, and conservation viability to ensure long term goals and visions are being simultaneously discussed. This model is critical to assist the landowners, farmers, families, and land trusts to truly ensure all parties best interests and intentions are on the table.
The collaboration of partners, land trusts and landowners has been instrumental in the projects to date. This model goes beyond just protecting the land, it is also protecting the future farmers as it provides more insight to long-term opportunities or challenges. The discussions between the partners, land trusts and landowners is the closest thing to a crystal ball as we can get.
The support from funders has enabled the program to evolve, identify critical aspects and develop best practices. I see firsthand how the funders support has helped farmers develop confidence about decisions they are making during the easement process."
Now more than ever, it is crucial to conserve farmland and support local farm businesses.
Donations to this program are accepted year round!
Checks can be made payable to "NHFFF" 11 Industrial Park Drive Walpole, NH 03608"
Thank you to our Funders!
This grant opportunity would not be possible without the help of our generous funders.
The NH Farm Future Fund is a grant program that is privately funded and administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District on behalf of the NH Association of Conservation Districts.
Many thanks to our funders that make this program possible. The primary funder is the You Have Our Trust Fund of Fidelity Charitable
Additional funding provided by the Madison Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Additional thanks to the Land Resources Action Team of the New Hampshire Food Alliance . The NH Farm Future Fund grew out of the efforts of this Action Team.
Partners on this project:
NH Conservation Districts, Land for Good , & New Hampshire Community Loan Fund
Interested in applying?
Learn more here!
