13. Bringing Hope to the Future of Farmland with Ian McSweeney

Ian McSweeney is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Farmers Land Trust. He has been recognized as a “40 under 40” leader in New Hampshire, selected to the Food Solutions New England Network Leadership Institute, and is an Ashoka Fellow. His life’s work is centered on the human connection to land and each other, framed through the understanding that food and agriculture are great separating and connecting forces between people and land. Throughout his career, Ian has worked to assist over 100 farms, protecting over 12,000 acres, and raising over $24 million all aimed toward providing benefit to farmland, farmers, communities, and the local agrarian economy.  In this conversation, we discuss…  The Supreme Court case that acted as the catalyst for Ian’s life mission  The myth of “land ownership” and the capitalist systems that perpetuate harm Building systems for farmland to be controlled by the farmers and the local community  Why farmers struggle with land security, and paradoxically, even food security The complex history of land trusts and how Ian forged a unique path within them The difference between community land trusts and conservation land trusts  The new paradigm of valuing farmland differently than residential land  … And so much more!  Connect with Ian: Website: https://www.thefarmerslandtrust.org/ Facebook: The Farmers Land Trust Instagram: @thefarmerslandtrust YouTube: @TheFarmersLandTrust Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel