The family farm is rarely passed down as it once was generation to generation. Today, new farmers need help navigating their journey to farm as do farmland owners planning a farm legacy.
NWALT Farms is the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust’s outreach and programming as part of the NWA Food Systems initiative which aims to grow more farmers and strengthen our regional food system. NWALT Farms also offers NWA Farm-Link, Farmland Leasing and the Farmland Access Fund to help farmers with affordable land access along with support to grow their dreams and viable farm businesses.
Your donation to the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust helps make NWA FARMLINK services remain free. Your support also helps cover the costs of hosting educational and networking events for farm seekers and farmland owners. Your contribution enables us to provide materials to assist farm seekers and farmland owners make legal arrangements, learn about regenerative agriculture, and conserve farmland. Donate today and #SaveFarmland!
Source: USDA Ag Census 2017
Farmland is disappearing in Northwest Arkansas due to rapid urbanization and population growth. According to the USDA Agricultural Census, total farmland in our region declined by 50% from 1997-2012, and the trend continues. New or beginning farmers face many barriers to farming, including rising land prices, equipment costs and the need for assistance. Exiting farmers are delaying their retirement and often don’t have a succession plan for their farm. As a result, we’re losing our family farms and our region’s dependence on an outsourced food supply is increasing.
By providing a free web-based platform, along with personalized local assistance and access to resources, NWA FARMLINK meets farmers “where they are.” Working together and leveraging our network, we will help to secure the future of regenerative agriculture in Northwest Arkansas.
NWA FARMLINK is open to all farm seekers from anywhere and farmland owners with property in Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington Counties. Farmers interested in growing fruits and vegetables are especially encouraged to participate as the demand for fresh, local foods increases.
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