Donating your land into an Agrarian Commons is one of the finest legacies you can leave to future generations. In addition to permanently preserving irreplaceable land, your gift will directly benefit next generation farmers by providing land access that is affordable and secure, it will benefit the environment by transforming the value of soils and ecosystem, and it will benefit the local food system by supporting farm viability.
You may only wish to donate a portion of your property, or to spread the gift over multiple years for tax purposes – there is no one way to leave this kind of legacy, just as long as it’s the right one for you, and the land, and it supports the Agrarian Commons!
Outright Donation
An outright donation maybe the right choice if you:
Do not wish to pass land on to heirs
Own property that you no longer use
Own significantly appreciated property
Own a large amount of property and are concerned about estate tax burdens you may pass on to your heirs
Would like to be relieved of the responsibility of managing and caring for the land
Wish to make a lasting gift to the environment, to your community, to agricultural sustainability, and to future generations
If you would like to gift your land to Agrarian Trust while retaining the right to live on the farm for the remainder of your lifetime or that of named heirs, this can be done as a “remainder interest with a reserved life estate.”This is a way for you to continue enjoying your home and some responsibility for the farm, while initiating, observing and supporting the transition of farm operations to the Agrarian Commons and a new generation of farmers. You can still claim a charitable deduction for the value of the remainder interest.
Alfred and Carney Farris of Windy Acres Farm discuss the future of their farm.
Map showing ancestral Indigenous territories.
You may also choose to donate your land by will (known as a bequest) to Agrarian Trust, continuing to own and control your land during your lifetime, but assuring its protection as part of the Agrarian Commons after your death. In some cases, this strategy can be combined with a lease to Agrarian Trust to initiate the transition of the farm during your lifetime.
Estate Planning
Gifts made in this manner are often part of a larger planned giving strategy involving the donor’s estate.
In addition to land, farm assets such as machinery and equipment, buildings, grain and feed inventories, livestock and other items may be gifted to Agrarian Trust to be transitioned into the Agrarian Commons or sold to generate revenue supporting the transition and operation of the farm.
In addition, land or any appreciated real estate that is not suitable for farming, including residential or commercial property, can be gifted to the Agrarian Trust, allowing for a charitable deduction. The resale of that real estate (with conservation restrictions, if appropriate) can then generate funds supporting the growth and success of the Agrarian Commons in your region, providing an extraordinary financial impact to the future of farming and healthy food systems where you live, or in support of the nationwide programs of Agrarian Trust. Additional options under this approach include establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust to generate a life income from the sale of property gifted to Agrarian Trust or your regional Agrarian Commons.
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Land Donor
"The fact that it's going to be kept farmland I think is great because this piece has been in the family since back in the '50's. We're hoping for what's in the works now - somebody will farm it, will keep it organic - that's a great thing!"
A guide to
