Despite the growing interest in preserved farmland, land trusts are facing overwhelming demand. Jess Laggis, who oversees conservation efforts at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in Asheville, North Carolina, reports a backlog of requests that stretches up to five years. Many of the farmers seeking assistance are older, with some unfortunately passing away before the preservation efforts are completed.

“We strive to envision diverse futures for agriculture, recognizing that the landscape is constantly evolving,” Laggis remarked.

In Washington state, Short explained that the transition from his farm has been challenging. Although he’s settled into a new home and feels secure about his retirement savings, he misses his land. He and his partner Sandy frequently visit the younger farmers currently managing the property.

“I appreciate the opportunity to connect with them, offer guidance, and see how they’re progressing,” he shared.

One of these farmers, 46-year-old Martin Frederickson, operates a cattle farm nearby and has leased 75 acres from the Short property to provide his livestock with additional space. Frederickson expressed the importance of securing a long-term lease that enables him to care for the land properly, though purchasing the entire property was never financially feasible for him.

Frederickson highlighted that many parcels of farmland are often priced higher than their agricultural potential, even with a conservation easement in place.

Crystie Kisler, a 54-year-old organic grain farmer cultivating crops resilient to a changing climate on her 150-acre farm nearby, leases 17 acres from the port authority. While she acknowledges that easements can support small-scale farmers, she emphasized, “They aren’t a quick fix that guarantees success.”

Berg from the port authority indicated they are prepared to function as landlords for the time being, understanding that the farm may not turn a profit for another couple of years. He expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, stating it prevented wealthier buyers from potentially circumventing the easement by simply maintaining the land with minimal activity, such as adding a few horses.

There are no intentions to sell the property.

“Our goal isn’t to distribute soybeans nationwide,” Berg affirmed. “We aim to sustain ourselves and perhaps even meet the needs of the local community.”