Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Toward a new Homestead Act: Designing a farmstead transfer and leasing program for high-value farming and farmstead preservation

Project ID: XP2010-02

Abstract

Finding ways to make farming more accessible for would-be farmers involves working with existing landowners and potential tenants/buyers to educate both groups on the possibilities open to them. Surveys, focus groups and personal interviews were used to determine what tactics would be more effective in engaging both groups.

Key Question: What would motivate current landowners to make farmland and buildings available to beginning small-scale diversified farmers, particularly immigrant and refugee farmers?

Findings: According to the research for this project, more familiarity with small-scale farming options and alternatives, and creation of low-risk ways for new farmers to prove their abilities, sincerity and prospects for making a profit.

Lead investigator: Hannah Lewis, National Center for Appropriate Technology

Year of grant completion: 2011

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Cross-Cutting Initiative.

Topics: Policy