Contributed by Amy Pettit
Alaska Farmland Trust is 501c3 nonprofit based in Palmer. If you’re not familiar with our mission, our primary goal is the permanent protection of agriculturally viable soils throughout Alaska. Since our inception 15 years ago we have helped landowners place conservation easements on 318 acres in the greater Palmer area. Not only will these acres never become strip malls, subdivisions or gravel pits, but they will stay farmland FOREVER. The soils will always and only(!) be used for agricultural production – to grow vegetables for our communities, hay for our thriving equine industry or other actively managed uses for long term soil health.
There are two ways that a landowner can work with Farmland Trust to permanently protect their farm: by donating an easement on their property or by negotiating purchase of their development rights to Farmland Trust. You can learn more about both options on our website at akfarmland.com or by scheduling an appointment with our Executive Director or a Board Member.
In the past four years we’ve doubled our protected acres, tripled our corporate giving, and sold out nearly every event we’ve hosted. As the interest in our organization grows, more farmers seek our assistance in preserving their farms. This is GREAT news – but – in order to capitalize on the momentum, we need to develop a sustaining members program. And…we need YOUR help! That is exactly why we’ve launched our “2020 by 2020 Farmland Superhero” campaign. With two thousand and twenty Alaskans contributing as little as $10 a month towards Farmland Trust, we can save a farm per year! We can become less reliant on the uncertainty of State and Foundation funding, and protect more Alaskan farmland!
There are multiple ways to join the campaign and become a Farmland Superhero:
Use the DONATE button on our website at www.akfarmland.com/2020
TEXT your donation amount to (907) 802-5892
And be sure to check the “recurring” box to make your contribution monthly and become a Farmland Superhero!
Remember that your donation to Farmland Trust is tax deductible. When you become a Farmland Superhero there are more benefits than just knowing you’re helping protect our food future. You’ll get first access to tickets to our events, special invites to unique gatherings on our properties and more! Sign up today – let’s do this!
If you have any questions or need additional information about Farmland Trust, or becoming a Farmland Superhero, please don’t hesitate to contact our executive director at AmyPettit@akfarmland.com or at (907) 355-2706.
