California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to announce the permanent protection of its 90th agricultural conservation easement, marking another significant milestone in the organization’s mission to preserve California’s productive farmland for generations to come.
Since its founding in 2004, CFT has worked alongside farmers, ranchers, landowners, funding partners, and local communities to ensure that California’s agricultural lands remain protected from development and available for future food production. Each easement represents a commitment to preserving the state’s agricultural heritage while supporting the families who steward the land every day.
Reaching 90 protected properties reflects more than two decades of conservation efforts across California. Together, these easements protect nearly 20,000 acres of productive farmland, helping safeguard the state’s natural resources, strengthen rural economies, and keep working lands in agriculture for future generations.
“Our 90th easement represents the incredible partnerships that make farmland conservation possible,” said Charlotte Mitchell, Executive Director of California Farmland Trust. “Every protected property is the result of landowners, public agencies, private supporters, and community partners coming together with a shared vision of preserving California agriculture. We are grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone.”
Agricultural conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements that permanently limit non-agricultural development while allowing farms and ranches to remain privately owned and actively farmed. By protecting these working landscapes, CFT helps ensure that California’s rich agricultural legacy continues to provide food, jobs, wildlife habitat, and open space for future generations.
As California continues to face development pressures and the ongoing loss of farmland, protecting working agricultural lands has never been more important. Every easement contributes to a more resilient future by supporting local food production, environmental stewardship, and vibrant rural communities.
California Farmland Trust extends its sincere appreciation to the landowners, funding partners, donors, volunteers, and advocates who have made this milestone possible. Their continued commitment to farmland conservation is helping shape a stronger future for California agriculture.
As CFT celebrates its 90th easement, the organization remains focused on its mission of permanently protecting California’s agricultural lands and looks forward to reaching even more conservation milestones in the years ahead.
California Farmland Trust was also honored to have this milestone featured by Farm Credit Alliance. We appreciate their support in highlighting the importance of agricultural conservation and the partnerships that make this work possible.