Learn. Connect. Ignite. Because farmland matters.
Join us for Common Ground, the only farmland access gathering in central Illinois!
Due to the compounding trends of consolidation, rising land prices, residential development, and the complexity of farm transitions, farmers statewide struggle with finding secure, affordable, and equitable land arrangements, while farmland owners struggle to meet their stewardship goals and preserve their farm legacy.
Common Ground – Central Illinois is an annual gathering focused on farmland access and farm transition solutions for both farmers and farmland owners in central Illinois. This is a social and educational event for those who have pressing needs around land access, want to grow their skills, and care deeply about what broader farmland access challenges mean for the future of Illinois agriculture. The event also gives farmers and landowners the opportunity to make direct connections and encourage each other.
Common Ground – Central Illinois is organized by American Farmland Trust, Savanna Institute, and Illinois FarmLink. Each partner brings regional expertise, years of experience working with farmers and landowners, and a strong commitment to the good food movement.
Admission is $10 (pre-registration required). Travel assistance stipends are available for farmers which you can apply for during registration. Please contact Nathan with any questions at [email protected] and share news of this with others.
PROGRAMMING:
Introductory Session – Finding Common Ground
To solve the land access and transition challenges facing farmers and landowners across central Illinois, we’re going to have to work together. But to work together, landowners and farmers of different generations need to understand each other. Join us for a conversation about cross-generational communication around farmland and building deep relationships. American Farmland Trust, Illinois FarmLink, and the Savanna Institute will share insights from their work that highlight opportunities for new and creative thinking. Come prepared to share your own stories and lessons learned with the group.
Small Group Discussion
This session will take advantage of the unique opportunity Common Ground provides to hear from a diverse community that includes farmers, landowners, engaged community members, and service providers. You’ll have an opportunity to share more about your land/farmer search and challenges you’re facing. We’ll also work collaboratively to brainstorm creative solutions and actively envision a better future for land access across central Illinois.
Open Networking
Connect with fellow farmers and landowners in your community over local food and drinks from Silver Tree & Spirits. The distillery “was founded by three farm boys that started making biofuels in high school and quickly learned there was more than cow feed to be made with the grain their family farm produced.”
Whether you’re a land seeker looking to start or expand your farm, a landowner seeking a farmer to purchase, lease, or steward your land, or simply someone curious about farmland access, we invite you to join us!
Event is presented by:
Event sponsored by:
Funding for this event provided by:
