In honor of the company’s 85th anniversary, Tractor Supply Company and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation have announced a $850,000 commitment to American Farmland Trust (AFT). This statement came on National Ag Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the bounty offered by American agriculture.
The investment will benefit the AFT’s Better Future Fund, which will award 85 $10,000 grants to farmers to assist them enhance farm viability, get access to, transfer, or permanently protect farmland, and use regenerative agricultural methods. Individual farmers or farm families may apply as applicants. Awards will be provided particularly to people who have historically been underserved or who do not have access to traditional financing sources. On July 1, applications will be accepted.
“Agricultural communities are the foundation of Tractor Supply’s 85-year history, and we are thrilled to give back to them as we celebrate this milestone,” said Hal Lawton, Tractor Supply’s president and CEO. “This donation is an expression of our appreciation to our customers and the communities in which we live.” It is also vital to fulfilling our responsibility as responsible environmental stewards since America’s farmers play a critical role in helping to safeguard our natural resources. We are honored to contribute to AFT’s vital work in ensuring that future generations can enjoy Life Out Here.”
Tractor Supply’s $850,000 pledge is the company’s largest commitment to AFT to date. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the corporation first collaborated with AFT through the Farmer Relief Fund. Tractor Supply also made a contribution to the AFT’s Better Future Fund in 2021 and 2022. Tractor Supply’s contribution to the Better Future Fund expands on the Tillamook County Creamery Association’s original sponsorship.
“AFT appreciates Tractor Supply’s generous donation and the significant impact these funds will have on awardees.” Farmers and ranchers in our country work hard and confront everyday challenges from weather, shifting economic pressures, and escalating land and input costs. AFT has just granted $5 million in grants to farmers and ranchers to further our purpose of protecting farmland, promoting sustainable farming techniques, and keeping farmers on the land,” said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO. “AFT’s grants help drive new solutions to key societal challenges by increasing farm resilience to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening local food systems, increasing equity in opportunities for underserved farmers, ensuring the availability of sufficient clean water and habitat for threatened wildlife, and improving farm viability and community vitality.”
AFT has awarded funds to farmers and ranchers in 49 states and Puerto Rico since 2020.
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