Access to New Land & Understanding New Land

Land Access

UVM'S NEW FARMER PROJECT

Under the University of Vermont's Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the New Farmer Project includes a land access coaching program intended to help both farmers looking for land and those looking to make their land available to farmers.

New England Land Link

Facilitates the transfer of farms, lease agreements, rentals, or work-ins between New England farmers and landholders. For $10/year, farmers join NELL to receive updated web-based listings.

Vermont Land Trust Farmland Access Program

Helps farmers gain access to quality and affordable farmland.

LAND FOR GOOD'S "ACQUIRING YOUR FARM"

An online course for farm seekers to help determine the best land acquisition options and make an action plan.

Understanding Soil Tests

Soil Test from UVM

If your land is new, take soil tests. Your nearest Extension Office provides University of Vermont soil test kits. The UVM commercial soil test is a good, inexpensive basic nutrient test, which also includes percent organic matter, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), Ca:Mg:K ratios, and micro-nutrients. Take a heavy metal test if you have never take one on that field or it is a new field. (There are some old orchard soils around the state that have some high metal levels, but no signs that they were orchards in the past on the ground.) The results come with crop recommendation categories that you choose. Extension people or NOFA Vermont Technical Assistant Advisors will help commercial farmers interpret results.

Land Evaluation

Vermont NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) staff can help you determine what type of soil you have, its properties, erosion potential, drainage, doughtiness, productivity, and other properties. There are also fee-based private consultants who can also help you; please call NOFA Vermont technical advisors for assistance in finding private consultant.