American Farmland Trust (AFT) has appointed John Piotti as their new President. He will assume his new duties on July 1, 2016.
“Our nation relies on our farms and farmers for growing our food and providing tremendous environmental benefits for the country,” said Piotti. “I’ve dedicated my career to this cause, and I am thrilled to be joining AFT, where I have the opportunity to advance farm and ranch land conservation nationwide through programs that keep farmers on the land, protect the environment and permanently save working lands for future generations.”
Poitti has been serving as president and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust. In 2009 it was named one of the best-run organizations by the Maine Associate of Nonprofits. Piotti also served in Maine’s state legislature from 2002-2010 where he had a reputation as a nonpartisan problem-solver.
“John brings phenomenal leadership skills and a passion for the issues that motivate AFT,” said AFT Board Chair Buzz Thompson. “Saving enough farmland for food production is a defining challenge for this century, underscoring the urgency of AFT’s mission. Equally critical is ensuring that there will be a next generation of farmers and ranchers to steward the land. John brings to AFT invaluable experience in developing creative solutions to these issues.”
Piotti said he is optimistic about dramatically increasing support among people who care about their food, local farms, and the environment. His optimism stems from his successful track-record at Maine Farmland Trust, where he launched new programs to increase access to farmland and improve farm viability. Piotti shared that he is excited to lead the fight to save family farms and ranches nationwide.
“The agricultural community can look forward to working with AFT under John’s leadership,” said John Hardin, AFT board member and owner of Hardin farms, an Indiana hog and crop operation. “John clearly conveyed to our board that the first principle in keeping farmers on the land is making sure their farm businesses have an opportunity for profit. Science-based farming systems that improve soil health and resiliency, and keep topsoil and nutrients in place, are vital to increasing a farmer’s income and the value of the farm. By helping the nation’s farmers innovate and keep land in agricultural production, we can best protect the landscapes that we all depend on for food, fiber, economic and environmental benefits and sustainable communities.”