Agrarian Commons
Structure
An Agrarian Commons is:
- a nonprofit landholding entity
- governed locally, with all decisions made by a board that includes representatives of Agrarian Trust, and local partners and stakeholders
- centered in community
- dedicated to the preservation of farming, farmland, and localized food systems
Each Agrarian Commons holds land in communities for:
- Ecological, restorative agriculture and community building
- Land access and land justice for next generation farmers
- Long-term lease tenure and equity interest for farmers and ranchers
- Stewardship and ecosystem investment
- Viability of farms, ranches, and local agrarian economies
Below is a visual introduction to the structure of the Agrarian Commons model which has 6 elements: Farms, Farmers, Local Community, Donors, a Commons Board and Agrarian Trust.
Comparing Structures: Why this Model is Different
Below are two visual explanations of how the Agrarian Trust/Agrarian Commons model is different from other land trusts. This visual comparison portrays how the Agrarian Commons is able to operate holistically in several unique ways; collective stewardship for ecosystem health, local governance, long term security, and tenure with a commitment to race, class and gender equity.
