Preserving Farmland for Food Production: A Sustainable Approach

By Breanna Horsey, Sustainable Iowa Land Trust

Above: Carly with spring starts from her and Ethan Zierke’s organic Sweet Season Farm – made possible by SILT’s long-term lease to own mission that frees farmers from a lifetime of land debt.

Breanna Horsey of Sustainable Iowa Land TrustIn the face of growing environmental challenges and a rapidly increasing global population, the preservation of farmland for food production has never been more critical. The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) is at the forefront of this mission, working to secure and protect farmland specifically for the purpose of growing food. This article delves into the importance of preserving farmland, the efforts of SILT, and the broader implications for our food systems and communities.

The Urgency of Farmland Preservation

Farmland is a finite resource, and its preservation is essential for ensuring food security. Urban sprawl, industrial development, and unsustainable farming practices have led to the loss of valuable agricultural land. This trend threatens our ability to produce enough food to meet the needs of future generations. The price of farmland in Iowa is also not currently accessible to smaller scale food producers.

Preserving farmland is not just about maintaining open spaces; it is about safeguarding the land’s ability to produce food. Healthy, fertile soil is the foundation of food production, and its preservation is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity. By protecting farmland, we ensure that future generations have the resources needed to grow food and maintain a stable food supply. Lowering the value of farmland also ensures new and beginning farmers, and historically underserved farmers will have equitable access.

SILT’s Mission and Vision

The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) was established with a clear mission: to secure, preserve, and steward farmland specifically for food production. SILT’s vision is to create a landscape where farmland is protected from development and dedicated to growing healthy, sustainable food for future generations.

SILT achieves this by acquiring land through donations, purchases, and conservation easements. These lands are then leased to farmers who commit to sustainable food production practices with a low-cost, long-term lease model. This model not only protects the land from being converted to non-agricultural uses but also supports farmers who are dedicated to growing food sustainably.

Commitment to Land Access

A cornerstone of SILT’s mission is its commitment to providing land access to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. By prioritizing land leases to beginning farmers, women, and historically underserved communities, SILT ensures that a diverse group of individuals can participate in sustainable food production. This approach not only promotes equity but also enriches the agricultural landscape with a variety of perspectives and practices.

Luzum Heritage Farm and Sweet Season Farm in Calmar Iowa-courtesy of SILT
Luzum Heritage Farm and Sweet Season Farm in Calmar, Iowa just outside of Decorah – courtesy of SILT

 The Role of Private Investors

Private investors play a crucial role in the preservation of farmland for food production. By investing in farmland and food businesses, they can drive positive environmental and social outcomes. Investments can take various forms, including direct investments in farms, donations directly to SILT to support permanent protection, or working with SILT to invest directly into target communities on project specific opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the benefits of preserving farmland for food production are clear, there are challenges to overcome. These include the higher initial costs of land acquisition, the need for technical knowledge, and the volatility of markets for sustainable food products that farmers are facing. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration.  Partnerships between non-profit organizations like SILT, farmers, governments, and private investors can provide the necessary support for transitioning to sustainable food production practices and permanently protecting land for its use.

Carly and Ethan in garlic patch at the Sweet Season Farm courtesy of SILT
Carly and Ethan in their organic garlic patch at the Sweet Season Farm – prime farmland leased by SILT

The Luzum Heritage Farm and Sweet Season Farm

The Luzum Heritage Farm is a testament to the power of farmland preservation. Donated to SILT by the Luzum family, this farm is now a thriving example of sustainable food production. Carly and Ethan, the passionate farmers behind Sweet Season Farm, lease this land from SILT. They have transformed it into a vibrant, productive farm that supplies fresh, organic produce to the local community. Their story exemplifies how access to preserved farmland can empower new farmers to contribute to local food systems and promote sustainable agriculture.

CONCLUSION

Preserving farmland for food production is a critical component of a resilient and equitable food system. Organizations like SILT are leading the way by protecting farmland and supporting sustainable food production practices. By investing in the preservation of farmland, we can ensure a healthier planet and a more secure food future for generations to come.

The journey towards preserving farmland for food production requires collective effort and commitment. It involves not only farmers but also consumers, investors, and policymakers. Together, we can create a food system that nourishes people and the planet.

This article highlights the importance of preserving farmland specifically for food production and the efforts of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) in promoting these practices. It also underscores the role of private investors and the opportunities for innovation in this field. By supporting the preservation of farmland, we can build a greener and more resilient future.

 

Article by Breanna Horsey, the Executive Director of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), where she leverages her extensive experience and passion for sustainable land use and conservation. Breanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a Master’s in Organizational Development.

Previously, she served as an Urban Conservationist in Western Iowa, promoting sustainable practices and enhancing water quality. Breanna is committed to preserving Iowa’s natural resources and resilient food systems. She aims to expand SILT’s impact through conservation easements, land acquisitions, and community engagement. Her dedication to connecting farmers, landowners, and conservationists is driven by a vision of a more sustainable and resilient Iowa.

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