Other
Farms Fund (lease-to-own farmland access)
The Conservation Fund
What you can get
No cash grant - subsidized farmland access via a 3-5 year lease-to-own pathway • No cash grant. The Conservation Fund acquires at-risk farmland near growing metros, places permanent agricultural protections on it, leases it to a farmer, and provides a patient pathway to affordable ownership within three to five years. Participating farmers also get support identifying and applying for farm business tools and federal programs, access to new markets, and time to invest in farm infrastructure.
- Readiness
- Ready to apply
- Who can apply
- producer, Farmers ready to expand their farm business, reach scale to meet market demand, and work toward land ownership in the Atlanta, Chicago, or Charlotte NC metro foodsheds; farmers outside those markets may still submit the survey for future expansion.
- Coverage
- GA, IL, NC, AR
- Deadline & timing
- Farmer survey is available with no published cutoff. The Farms Fund is currently piloted in Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte, NC; farmers serving other metro markets may complete the survey to be kept on file for future pilots. A survey expresses interest and does not guarantee farmland availability.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 6, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.