Farms on the edges of cities like Chicago are disappearing quickly — replaced by housing developments, warehouses, and data centers. More than 40 acres of farmland vanish every hour across the U.S., and the Chicago region alone has lost 77% of its remaining farmland. As land prices soar and farmers age out of the profession, the next generation of growers faces steep barriers to finding and affording land. 

At the same time, demand for fresh, healthy, local food has never been higher. Thriving farms near cities are essential to meeting that demand — supplying schools, restaurants, and neighborhood markets while connecting people to the land that sustains them. 

A New Model for Protecting Farmland 

Our innovative Buy–Support–Protect–Sell model makes this possible: 

• Buy: Acquire at-risk farmland before it’s lost to development 
• Support: Farmers with access to markets, training, and resources  
• Protect: Place permanent agricultural protections on the land so it stays a farm forever 
• Sell: Match farmland with committed farmers and provide a patient pathway to affordable ownership 

This revolving fund model keeps conservation capital working — multiplying impact year after year. 

Building a More Resilient Food System 

By securing farmland around the fast-growing Chicago metro area, The Conservation Fund is fixing a broken food system — one farm at a time. We’re creating: 

• Expanded farmland conservation: Permanently protecting critically threatened farmland at risk of being lost to development. 
• Opportunities for diverse farmers: Committed to diverse farm businesses, products, and farmer owners  
• Stronger markets and communities: Connecting entrepreneurial farmers to local buyers and ensuring a steady supply of healthy food to nearby cities. 
• Climate-smart agriculture: Reducing food miles and supporting sustainable practices that improve soil, water, and community resilience. 

Be Part of the Solution 

The Chicago Farms Fund preserves farms, builds a new generation of farmers, and creates a permanent source of fresh, healthy food for our communities. Together, we can grow a future where farmland, farmers, and communities all thrive. 

Reach out today to learn more.