Greetings! Despite this New England deep freeze, we haven't slowed down or missed a beat in our work for famers. Your response to our year end donor appeal (topping 2013), and institutional grants puts us in a strong position for 2015. Thank you.

This issue features several upcoming events for farm seekers (MA), farmers planning for succession, and for landowners and farmers to connect (NH); an exciting grant opportunity for farmland owners in Berkshire County (MA); and more farm properties on New England Farmland Finder. Also read about farmers we've helped who are In The News.

New projects (to be featured in upcoming issues) range from supporting immigrant farmers (ME) to investigating new farmland investment models (VT). We're also training real estate professionals, facilitating state policy dialogue, and supporting organic farm succession. Read more about our projects. All this thanks to our collaborators and funding partners!

Reviewing 2014 showed that we gained more ground than ever for farmers in New England. LFG Field Staff directly assisted over 350 farmers, landowners, and professionals, and we reached another 1000 through our workshops, mixers and presentations. Our work and the people we helped were in the news more than ever, and landforgood.org saw a 65% user increase. 

Our work with farmers and landowners in New England addresses a critical (but often invisible) challenge facing our farm sector and food system: passing on farmland and working farms to a new generation of farmers in a way that provides security for exiting and beginning farmers alike. Our food security depends on the land security of our farmers.

In my new role as Executive Director, I've continued to focus on building a stronger and more responsive organization, and publicizing our good work (see last week's Keene Sentinel). I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help steward this important work along with Kathy, Andrew, our Board and a growing team. But we need your support. 

Please help by sending us feedback and ideas, spreading the word, and making a donation. 

Thank you for your support.