Cultivating Access: The Benefits and Challenges of Using Community Land Trusts to Preserve Farmland and Support Farmers.

Author

Meghan DalyFollow

Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Environmental Studies

Department or School/College

Environmental Studies

Committee Chair

Neva Hassanein

Commitee Members

Margiana Petersen-Rockney, Laurie Yung

Keywords

CLT, farmland, trust, access

Publisher

University of Montana

Subject Categories

Agriculture | Environmental Studies | Food Studies | Nonprofit Studies

Abstract

Agricultural land protected by community land trusts (CLTs) is more likely to remain in active production due to the CLT’s ability to enforce land use practices and select tenants committed to farming. While land tenure approaches vary among CLTs, protected agricultural lands typically utilize long-term leases with affordable rents (Ela and Rosenberg, 2020). Such leasing arrangements enable farmers to access land at prices unaffected by escalating land values (Schwartz et al., 2013). The CLT model not only safeguards farmland but also promotes active agricultural production, thereby ensuring local food supply and providing economic opportunities for farmers.

Despite the promising potential of the CLT model in agricultural contexts, further research is essential to explore its benefits and limitations. This thesis aims to expand on existing research by providing a comprehensive overview of CLTs dedicated to preserving agricultural land and ensuring affordable land access for farmers. The findings are intended to assist individuals and organizations interested in leveraging the CLT model for farmland preservation.

Recommended Citation

Daly, Meghan, "Cultivating Access: The Benefits and Challenges of Using Community Land Trusts to Preserve Farmland and Support Farmers." (2024). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12330.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12330