Key Takeaways
- Strategic Investment: ADM has committed $500,000 via ADM Cares to support a new resilience initiative for American farmers.
- Regional Reach: The partnership targets hundreds of farmers across six key states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri.
- Comprehensive Support: Farmers will receive technical assistance for succession planning, grant funding, and access to peer networks.
- Economic Context: The initiative addresses a sharp 46% year-over-year increase in family farm bankruptcies recorded in 2025.
- Collaborative Execution: American Farmland Trust (AFT) will manage local engagement and hands-on support to ensure regional needs are met.
ADM Launches Farm Forward Initiative Partnership
ADM (NYSE: ADM) has announced a significant partnership with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) to bolster agricultural resilience across the U.S. Midwest and Plains. Backed by a $500,000 investment from ADM Cares, the program is a core component of the “Farm Forward Initiative,” a long-term strategy designed to support farmers navigating a volatile economic and technological landscape.
The program focuses on providing direct resources to farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri. This collaborative effort aims to stabilize the farm economy by offering tools for succession planning and providing grants to improve market access and productivity.
ADM Vows To Address Economic Pressures on American Farmers
The launch of this ADM initiative comes during a period of heightened financial strain for the agricultural sector. In 2025, 315 family farms filed for bankruptcy, representing a 46% increase compared to 2024. The partnership seeks to mitigate these risks by combining environmental stewardship with economic strengthening and personal well-being support.
AFT will lead the on-the-ground execution of the program. Their role involves delivering tailored support through established networks with expertise in land stewardship and farm viability. This hands-on approach is intended to help farmers adapt to shifting trade policies and advancing agricultural technologies.
“The Farm Forward Initiative reflects our continued commitment to working alongside American farmers and strengthening America's farm economy,” stated Gary McGuigan, ADM Senior Vice President and President, North America Ag Services & Oilseeds and Global Trade. “By partnering with trusted organizations like American Farmland Trust, we’re offering American farmers access to the tools, resources and support they need.”
Future-Proofing the Next Generation of Agriculture
A central pillar of the ADM and AFT collaboration is succession planning. By providing resources for the transition of farm ownership, the organizations hope to attract and retain the next generation of agricultural professionals. The program also emphasizes the importance of peer networks to share best practices in soil health and business management.
“Farm resilience starts with strong planning, strong networks, and strong communities,” said AFT President and CEO John Piotti. “Through this partnership, we’re building on our work to advance soil health to further help farmers invest in their future by providing practical resources, direct financial assistance, and peer connections.”
ADM continues to frame these investments as essential for maintaining a stable food supply chain and reinforcing the long-term viability of the American farming community.
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