Mid-Atlantic Farmer Outreach Associate

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.?

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Mid-Atlantic Farmer Outreach Associate (Associate) works directly with farmers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to help develop and support peer-to-peer networks of producers aimed at advancing regenerative practice implementation and farm business viability. In addition, the position both leads existing farmer support initiatives and helps develop new programming in the Mid-Atlantic region (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania) with an emphasis on Virginia. The Associate will collaborate closely with AFT’s Mid-Atlantic regional staff, climate and communications experts, and partner organizations to ensure that AFT’s programming is strategic, synergistic, and impactful.

This is a pivotal time for AFT in the Mid-Atlantic as we embark on several new holistic and interconnected projects that seek to promote the widespread adoption of regenerative farm systems, catalyze a new wave of agricultural land protection, access, and transfer, and strengthen farm viability. For the right candidate, this is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow AFT’s expanding work in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Associate will play a leadership role in developing and managing farmer network initiatives and farmer support services, collaborating closely with key partners to support regenerative agriculture and farm viability programming in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Associate will work directly with existing farmer networks and develop new ones focused on soil health, climate adaptation, regenerative systems adoption, and farm viability. In addition, the Associate will help create new, high-impact farm viability and farmer support programming in the region, with significant focus on farmer-to-farmer mentoring and networking strategies.

The Associate will work within AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Region and collaborate with external partners as well as other AFT regional staff engaged in direct-to-farmer programming.

The Associate will report to the Mid-Atlantic Program Manager. This is a full-time remote position based in Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Maryland.

Duties and Responsibilities:

A minimum of 5 years of combined education and/or related work experience in agriculture, farmer support services, and/or agricultural program management.

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then apply. Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a cover letter and resume to be considered.