Lancaster Farmland Trust was recently awarded a $10,000 Farm Aid grant to support its Next Generation Farmer project, which was created to provide resources for young farmers and to enhance learning and interest in the implementation of sustainable farming practices. Farm Aid grants are intended to support family farming across the nation. “We’re honored to call these hard-working organizations our partners in the Good Food Movement,” states Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar.

As a private nonprofit, the Lancaster Farmland Trust has been active and successful in efforts backing land protection and sustainable agricultural for 25 years. Executive Director Karen Martynick notes that many preserved farms throughout the county are of the Old Order Amish; many of these farms will be involved in the Next Generation Farmer Project. Helping farm families stay on the land is directly in line with the Trust’s vision to support the local economy, encourage growth and maintain a heritage of local, healthy food production for generations to come.

Since 1985 Farm Aid has hosted an annual benefit concert that, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $40 million to help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

For more information, call 717-687-8484 or visit LancasterFarmlandTrust.org or FarmAid.org.