ADM has launched a new partnership with American Farmland Trust as part of its Farm Forward Initiative, investing $500,000 to support farmer resilience across six U.S. states through technical assistance, grants and succession planning support.
Technical support and funding to strengthen farm resilience
ADM has announced a new partnership with American Farmland Trust (AFT) aimed at strengthening resilience among U.S. farmers as they navigate shifting market demands, evolving trade policy, advancing technology and ongoing uncertainty.
Backed by a $500,000 investment from ADM Cares, the initiative will engage farmers across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Missouri. The programme will provide direct technical assistance, succession planning support, peer networks and grant funding to help improve productivity, market access and farmer wellbeing.
Strengthening business and farm stewardship
Through the partnership, ADM Cares and AFT will work with hundreds of farmers to deliver practical support designed to strengthen both farm businesses and land stewardship.
“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 organizations 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.”
The partnership comes at a time when U.S. farmers are adapting rapidly to a changing agricultural landscape. According to ADM, 315 family farms filed for bankruptcy last year, up 46% from 2024.
ADM said strengthening resilience requires a balance of economic strength, environmental stewardship and farmer wellbeing, making coordinated support and practical investment increasingly important.
American Farmland Trust to lead farmer engagement
American Farmland Trust will lead on-the-ground engagement, delivering hands-on support tailored to local needs through established networks focused on farm viability and land stewardship.
“Farm resilience starts with strong planning, strong networks, and strong communities,” said John Piotti, President and CEO of American Farmland Trust.
“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.”
Farm Forward Initiative supports long-term farm sustainability
The collaboration forms part of ADM’s Farm Forward Initiative, which brings together the company’s existing investments, partnerships and on-the-ground engagement into a unified platform focused on farmer resilience in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.
The initiative aims to help farmers expand access to markets, resources and support while strengthening farm businesses and rural communities.
“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.”
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