The FarmLASTS Project

FarmLand Access, Succession, Tenure and Stewardship

How land is acquired, stewarded and passed on will shape the future of U.S. agriculture. Changing Lands, Changing Hands was held June 10-11 in Denver, Colorado.  It was the first national conference to address these critically important issues. More than 160 Extension and other educators, agricultural service professionals, agency staff, farm and other non-governmental groups, and policymakers gathered to present, share and evaluate successful and new approaches and tools to address land access, succession and stewardship.

Participants heard findings and recommendations from two years of research and curriculum development by the FarmLASTS Project. Together, we addressed barriers such as affordability and transferring management. We examined regionally appropriate strategies for promoting access, secure tenure, conservation and future business viability. We discussed how to strengthen service networks to improve assistance to farming and ranching families and new entrants. We addressed the unique needs of special farming populations such as women, immigrants, African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans.

Participants contributed their knowledge and suggestions about model programs and policies which will be incorporated into the final reports and recommendations.