AFT awards over $2.8M to farmers with Brighter Future Fund

American Farmland Trust has awarded $2,820,250 in grants to 208 farmers and ranchers across the country through its 2025 Brighter Future Fund programs. Of the recipients, 113 are beginning farmers, underscoring AFT’s commitment to support the next generation of agricultural stewards and to ensure a more resilient, equitable food system.

Now in its fifth year, the Brighter Future Fund continues to help fund producers working to strengthen on-farm resilience, enhance soil health, plan for long-term viability, and grow climate-smart local food systems. In 2025, AFT funded a range of targeted initiatives, including the Regenerate Virginia Healthy Soils Grant, Regenerate Virginia Farm Vitality Planning Grant, New England Regenerative Livestock Farming Grant, Great Lakes Farm Navigator Program, and Emergency Resilience Grant, among others.

“These farmers and ranchers are leading the way in growing a more sustainable and secure agricultural future,” said Ashley Brucker, Sr. Manager of Grantmaking for the Brighter Future Fund. “Whether they’re just starting out or building on generations of stewardship, they are implementing practices that protect land, improve soil, and serve their communities.”

For Saquana Seltzer of High Silo Farm, a Regenerative Livestock Farming Grant recipient, the impact is clear:

“Quite frankly, we could not have implemented our rotational grazing paddocks without the help of American Farmland Trust. I, along with the customers I serve, are very excited to see the practices of regenerative livestock farming come to life through this award.”

Farmers funded through the Virginia Healthy Soils initiative echoed that sentiment, sharing how essential the grants have been to implement soil-focused improvements and build momentum for on-farm conservation. One recipient shared:

“With this investment, I can begin farming full time and fully engage in the Farm to School Program which is really taking off faster than I had expected.”

This year’s funding also helped producers prepare for unexpected challenges and long-term planning through emergency grants and farm vitality programs. Demand for support continues to grow, with hundreds of applicants and ongoing needs, particularly among beginning and historically underserved producers.

For a full list of 2025 awardees and information on supporting future rounds of the Brighter Future Fund, visit the website here.