NEWS RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
April 2, 2018
Introducing California Farmland Trust: Central Valley Farmland Trust and Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust merge to conserve more farms together
Elk Grove, CA: The Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) and the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) have merged to form one outstanding organization dedicated to serving more California farmers.
BALT was formed in 2002 and CVFT in 2004, both land trusts’ missions focused on farmland protection and they each led flourishing programs within their respective regions of Contra Costa County in the East Bay and the Central Valley. When BALT’s Executive Director Kathryn Lyddan accepted a new position with the Department of Conservation, the board decided it was time to join forces with another agricultural land trust.
With its focus on agricultural conservation, the neighboring Central Valley Farmland Trust was a natural fit for a merger. After several months of discussions, the two boards consummated the merger in the final months of 2017.
The newly enhanced board of directors, composed of CVFT and BALT board members, has a wide range of perspectives including farmers, agricultural advisors, property rights advocates, city and regional planners, other farming professionals, and land stewardship experts.
“This board is reflective of a California that is growing, that must meet the needs of diverse populations who deserve local food, economic vitality, and the many extended benefits of farmland nearby,” said Charlotte Mitchell, Executive Director of California Farmland Trust (CFT), formerly executive director of CVFT.
Together, as the California Farmland Trust, the board and staff are looking forward to a future full of productive farmland. The new mission of CFT is to “help farmers protect the best farmland in the world” – because so much of it is right here at home in California. California is one of five regions in the world with a unique combination of climate, soils, and water ideally suited to produce over 400 crops and provide the majority of America’s fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
Charlotte Mitchell also stated, “We are thrilled at our new partnership with the Brentwood agricultural community, and look forward to protecting more of the farms that feed our families.”
For more information, please contact:
Melanee Cottrill, mcottrill@cafarmtrust.org or (916) 687-3178
###
The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to protect the best farmland in the world. To date we have protected nearly 15,000 acres of farmland on 50 family farms. Visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.
Currently serving: San Joaquin, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera & Contra Costa Counties