Published: 10/5/2022 12:09:02 PM
CONWAY — Land For Good, a New England nonprofit focused on expanding farmland access, has appointed lifelong nonprofit leader Mick Weltman as its new executive director as it continues its work with Franklin County farmers.
Weltman joins Land For Good at a crucial point. Approximately 30% of Massachusetts farmers are likely to leave the industry in the next decade, and 90% of these exiting or transitioning farmers are uncertain of their farm’s future and likely do not have a succession plan, according to a Land For Good press release. The Keene, New Hampshire-based nonprofit provides technical assistance for farmers seeking farmland access, tenure and transfers with the goal to “keep land in farming.”
“Mick comes to LFG with an enormous amount of talent and experience gained from a long and remarkably successful career in the non-profit sector, most of it in high-level leadership positions,” Andrew Marshall, Land For Good board of directors president, said in a statement. “The board is especially excited about Mick’s expertise in fund development, strategic thinking and executive leadership. We believe Mick is the leader that LFG needs at this moment to set us up for a future of innovation and impact.”
Weltman replaces former Executive Director Jim Habana Hafner, who stepped down from the organization over the summer after seven years in the role.
In his new position, Weltman will work with Land For Good’s staff around New England, like Massachusetts Field Agent Jae Silverman, who is based in Conway and works with farmers around the entire state. Weltman, who has focused on environmental issues and sustainability, among other topics, has spent the last 10 years growing the Associated Colleges of Illinois.
“We’re really excited to have him and we’re looking forward to bringing his expertise in,” Silverman said. “In bringing this wealth of knowledge, we can improve what we do. … He’s got such a nice, personable way that makes it a really nice fit.”
Silverman, who is also a hay farmer, said Land For Good is dedicated to working with farmers and conservation organizations like Kestrel Land Trust or Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in seeking land for farmers. Land For Good’s work is done through one-on-one meetings, workshops and other training resources designed to help “farmers find farmland and get access.”
“We’re trying to do whatever we can to get people the help they need,” Silverman said. “There are a lot of people interested in farming … but there’s very real economic hurdles on land acquisition right now.”
With new farmers looking to get into the industry and current farmers trying to figure out the future of their farmland, Silverman said Land For Good can help continue the long legacy of farming in Franklin County.
“Folks can reach out to us. We offer two hours of no-cost help and sometimes that’s plenty of time for people to get on track,” Silverman said. “It’s all about trying to make sure that farmers have access to farmland and that land is farmed through generations.”
For more information about Land For Good, including free resources for prospective clients, visit landforgood.org.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.