Helping young farmers get started

With high obesity rates and often a lack of fresh local fruit and vegetables in Mississippi, sustainable food practices have captured the attention of Michele Johnstone, a certified city planner who has served as chair of the North Mississippi Land Trust board since its formation in 2008.

During the past eight years, the all-volunteer NMSLT has acquired approximately 150 acres with a market value of roughly $2 million in four counties across the northern part of the state. While awaiting the approval and construction of their trail projects, the NMSLT board voted to help promote sustainable agricultural projects in the area. Mississippi has a strong farming tradition, but much of that has centered around commodity crops such as cotton and soybeans. The state imports 90% of its food, Johnstone says.

“The market is demanding better and fresher food but we don’t have the supply,” she says. “More sustainable farming would be a positive for the future of the people in the state.”

Arable land is costly in Mississippi, so NMSLT aims to connect land owners with young farmers that may have had trouble securing the capital to start a productive food-farming operation. The NMSLT is actively seeking donations of land – and hoping the newly permanent federal tax incentives for conservation easements will make the idea more attractive to land owners.

Sara Mason Ader is a contributor to Saving Land, the Land Trust Alliance's quarterly magazine.