CHICAGO, IL – Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) is bolstering its commitment to the future of American agriculture through a modern partnership with American Farmland Trust (AFT). The collaboration, announced earlier this month, will provide crucial technical assistance and financial support to hundreds of farmers across six Midwestern states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri – as they navigate an increasingly complex agricultural landscape. The initiative, funded by a $500,000 investment from ADM Cares, falls under the umbrella of ADM’s broader Farm Forward Initiative, designed to strengthen the resilience of American farms.
The partnership arrives at a critical juncture for family farms. According to data released by the U.S. Courts, 315 family farms filed for bankruptcy last year, a significant 46% increase from 2024. This surge in bankruptcies underscores the mounting pressures facing agricultural businesses, including shifting market demands, evolving trade policies, rapid technological advancements, and ongoing economic uncertainties. The ADM-AFT collaboration aims to address these challenges head-on by providing farmers with the resources they need to adapt and thrive.
Strengthening Farm Resilience Through Targeted Support
The Farm Forward Initiative, and specifically this partnership with AFT, focuses on three key pillars of farm resilience: economic strength, environmental stewardship, and farmer well-being. ADM recognizes that a sustainable agricultural sector requires a holistic approach that addresses not only the financial viability of farms but also the long-term health of the land and the personal well-being of those who work it. The program will offer direct technical assistance in areas such as succession planning, a critical component of ensuring the continuity of family-owned farms. It will also connect farmers to vital production resources and peer networks, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Finally, grant funding will be available to support productivity improvements, enhance market access, and promote overall 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, in a statement released on March 12, 2026. “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.”
Succession Planning: Securing the Future of Family Farms
Succession planning is often a complex and emotionally charged process for family farms. Many farms are facing a demographic shift as older generations retire and younger generations consider alternative career paths. Without a clear succession plan in place, these farms risk being lost to development or consolidation. The technical assistance offered through the ADM-AFT partnership will facilitate farmers navigate the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of transferring ownership and management to the next generation. This includes guidance on estate planning, business valuation, and family communication strategies.
American Farmland Trust has a long history of working to protect farmland and support farmers. Founded in 1980, AFT focuses on policies and programs that promote viable agricultural lands. Their work encompasses land conservation, farm advocacy, and research on agricultural issues. The organization’s expertise in farmland preservation and farm viability makes it a natural partner for ADM in this initiative.
Addressing Broader Challenges in the Agricultural Sector
The challenges facing American farmers extend beyond succession planning. Fluctuating commodity prices, increasing input costs (such as fertilizer and fuel), and climate change are all contributing to the economic pressures on farms. The ADM-AFT partnership aims to address these challenges by supporting productivity improvements and enhancing market access. Grant funding will be available to help farmers invest in new technologies, adopt sustainable farming practices, and explore new marketing opportunities.
ADM, a global leader in agricultural processing and food ingredient production, has a significant stake in the health of the American agricultural sector. The company relies on a stable and resilient supply of agricultural commodities to operate its business. By investing in the success of farmers, ADM is also investing in its own long-term sustainability. The Farm Forward Initiative represents a broader commitment by ADM to work collaboratively with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to address the challenges facing the industry.
The Farm Forward Initiative: A Long-Term Commitment
The partnership with AFT is just one component of ADM’s Farm Forward Initiative, launched to demonstrate a long-term commitment to American agriculture. The initiative encompasses a range of programs and investments designed to support farmers, promote sustainable farming practices, and strengthen the agricultural supply chain. ADM has previously announced investments in regenerative agriculture practices, aimed at improving soil health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company is also working to expand access to digital tools and technologies for farmers, helping them to improve their efficiency and profitability.
The $500,000 investment in the AFT partnership is part of ADM Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. ADM Cares focuses on supporting communities where ADM operates, with a particular emphasis on food security, education, and environmental sustainability. The organization’s investments are guided by the belief that a strong and vibrant agricultural sector is essential for a healthy and prosperous society.
The initial focus of the ADM-AFT partnership is on farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri. However, both organizations have expressed interest in expanding the program to other states in the future. The success of the initiative will be measured by its impact on farm resilience, including improvements in farm income, land stewardship, and farmer well-being. ADM and AFT will be tracking key metrics and collecting feedback from participating farmers to assess the effectiveness of the program and make adjustments as needed.
Looking ahead, the ADM-AFT partnership represents a promising step towards building a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. By providing targeted support to farmers, the initiative aims to ensure that American agriculture can continue to thrive for generations to come. The next update on the program’s progress is expected in late 2026, when ADM and AFT will release preliminary data on the impact of the initiative on participating farms.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on this initiative and the challenges facing American farmers in the comments section below.