March 17, 2026

 

ADM launches new partnership with American Farmland Trust

 

ADM announced a new initiative with American Farmland Trust (AFT) to partner with hundreds of US farmers across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri.

 

The US$500,000 investment from ADM Cares is part of ADM's Farm Forward Initiative, the company's long-term commitment to working alongside American farmers to strengthen resilience in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

 

Through the partnership, ADM Cares and AFT will engage American farmers to offer direct technical assistance for succession planning, connections to production resources and peer networks, and grant funding to support productivity, market access, and farmer well-being.

 

"The Farm Forward Initiative reflects our continued commitment to working alongside American farmers and strengthening America's farm economy," said Gary McGuigan, ADM Senior Vice President and President, North America Ag Services & Oilseeds and Global Trade. "By partnering with trusted organisations like American Farmland Trust, we're offering American farmers access to the tools, resources, and support they need to strengthen their businesses, care for their land, and sustain their families.

 

This partnership comes at a time when US farmers are adapting faster than ever as they navigate shifting market demands, evolving trade policy, advancing technology, and ongoing uncertainty. Last year, 315 family farms filed for bankruptcy, up 46% from 2024.

 

Strengthening resilience of US farms requires economic strength, environmental stewardship, and personal well-being, making coordinated and practical support more important than ever. By combining practical investment with trusted partnerships, ADM is reinforcing its commitment to stand with farmers when and where it matters most.

 

American Farmland Trust will lead on-the-ground engagement, providing hands-on support tailored to local needs and delivered through trusted networks with deep experience in farm viability and land stewardship.

 

"Farm resilience starts with strong planning, strong networks, and strong communities," said AFT president and chief executive officer John Piotti. "Through this partnership, we're building on our work to advance soil health to further help farmers invest in their future – while attracting the next generation – by providing practical resources, direct financial assistance, peer connections, and expanding access to succession planning support."

 

ADM's Farm Forward Initiative

 

The Farm Forward Initiative brings together ADM's existing and new investments, partnerships and on-the-ground engagement into a unified platform focused on farmer resilience in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. The initiative is focused on addressing today's pressures that US farmers face while creating opportunities for the future.

 

Through the Farm Forward Initiative, ADM is working hand-in-hand with farmers to expand access to markets, resources, and support — helping them strengthen their businesses, care for their land, and sustain their families. When US farmers thrive, rural communities and food systems thrive with them. Supporting competitive, adaptable farms also creates stronger local economies, more stable jobs, and resilient regional food systems.

 

"Standing beside American farmers has always been a priority for ADM," said McGuigan. "Our success is closely connected to the success of the farmers we work with every day. The Farm Forward Initiative brings greater focus to that commitment: building on longstanding efforts and partnerships to help ensure farmers and rural communities remain strong for the long term."

 

- ADM