ADM announced a new initiative with American Farmland Trust to support hundreds of farmers across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Missouri as the agricultural sector faces mounting economic pressures.
The $500,000 investment from ADM Cares is part of the company's Farm Forward Initiative, a long-term commitment to strengthening resilience in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. The partnership comes as 315 family farms filed for bankruptcy last year, up 46% from 2024.
Through the collaboration, ADM Cares and AFT will engage 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.
"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," said Gary McGuigan, ADM senior vice president and president of North America Ag Services & Oilseeds and Global Trade.
American farmers are navigating shifting market demands, evolving trade policy, advancing technology and ongoing uncertainty. Strengthening farm resilience requires economic strength, environmental stewardship and personal well-being, making coordinated support increasingly important.
American Farmland Trust will lead on-the-ground engagement, providing hands-on support tailored to local needs 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 CEO John Piotti. "Through this partnership, we're building on our work to advance soil health to further help farmers invest in their future."
