Press Release – Washington, D.C., June 1, 2016 — American Farmland Trust (AFT), the nation’s premier farmland conservation organization, announced today the appointment of John Piotti — a leading figure in farmland protection — as its new President effective July 1.
“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.”
Since 2006, Piotti has served as president and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, Maine’s only statewide organization focused on protecting farmland and supporting farming. There he brought creative vision and strategic focus to the organization’s efforts to save Maine farms — not only by protecting farmland but also through innovative efforts to support farmers while enhancing access to local food for Maine residents. In 2009, the organization was named one of the best-run organizations in Maine by the Maine Association of Nonprofits.
AFT Board Chair Buzz Thompson said Piotti is an articulate, thoughtful and visionary individual who brings tremendous talent and experience to advance AFT’s vital mission. AFT’s diverse board of directors — which includes large-scale mainstream crop and livestock operators, small-scale organic farmers, former state agriculture secretaries, and academic scholars from across the country — were unanimously impressed by Piotti’s executive leadership and passion for the issues that AFT has been devoted to for over 35 years.
“John brings phenomenal leadership skills and a passion for the issues that motivate AFT,” said 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.”
From 2002 until termed-out in 2010, Piotti servedin Maine’s state legislature, representing eight rural communities and serving as House Majority Leader, chair of Committee on Taxation and chair of Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry. As a legislator, Piotti gained a reputation as a non-partisan problem-solver, leading successful efforts to stabilize Maine’s dairy industry, fund the Land for Maine’s Future land protection program, and provide new state funding to protect working waterfront and preserve natural lands.
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.”
