By Patrick Brown and Nicci Mander
In the United States, small-scale farmers account for 90% of all farms but manage less than 50% of total farmland. This imbalance is becoming more acute as small farmers face mounting challenges: the average age of these farmers exceeds 60, the costs of agricultural inputs continue to rise, and large-scale farms benefit from economies of scale. Compounding these difficulties, small farms are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events, droughts, and changing growing seasons—factors that disrupt crop yields and livestock production. These pressures are driving younger generations away from farming, threatening the backbone of the nation’s agricultural network.
These challenges have significant implications for both the stability and product diversity of US agricultural supply chains, and for the economic potential of the country’s agricultural sector in general.
Theory of Change: Regenerative Agriculture as a Scalable Solution
Nature For Justice (N4J) launched the Growing American Farmer Prosperity initiative in late 2022 to address the mounting pressures facing smallholder farmers—rising input costs, climate variability, aging demographics, and limited access to markets. This program supports the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, which lower input costs, increase climate resilience, enhance yields, and stabilize farm profitability.
A central goal is to attract and retain younger farmers by making farming more accessible, financially viable, and future oriented.
For companies seeking to build resilient, ethical, and climate-smart supply chains, this program offers a scalable and strategic solution. Through partnering with farmers through the program, businesses can ensure a reliable supply of high-quality agricultural products while supporting the long-term viability of smallholder farms.
How the Program Works: A Structured Framework
- Expert Technical Assistance
N4J provides science-based, hands-on support from experienced regenerative farmers to guide implementation and adaptation of best practices. - Small Farm Aggregation
Farmers are organized into collaborative groups to collectively meet the volume and quality standards required by commercial buyers. - Data-Driven Impact
The program tracks key performance indicators such as soil health (e.g., carbon levels), crop productivity, and economic outcomes to validate success and guide improvements. - Regional Knowledge Hubs
Peer-to-peer learning is supported through localized hubs where farmers exchange techniques and innovations tailored to specific crops and growing conditions. - Peer-led Influencer Engagement
Recognized local leaders in regenerative practices serve as champions and mentors, encouraging wider adoption and providing trusted, context and product-specific advice. - Partnership Ecosystem
Farmers are connected to N4J’s network of collaborators—technical advisors, supply chain partners, and financial services—to fill gaps and extend capabilities. - Targeted Financial Support
Where needed, finance is mobilized to help farmers manage transition costs or invest in essential regenerative infrastructure. - Next-Generation Farmer Recruitment
By lowering entry barriers and providing mentorship, the program actively supports and inspires young people to pursue farming as a career.
Proven Impact and Future Growth
In just 18 months, Nature For Justice’s Growing American Farmer Prosperity program has established a network of over 150 farmers in North Carolina, introducing regenerative practices across nearly 7,000 acres of smallholder farmland. We are monitoring the impact of these practices on soil fertility, crop yields and farmer profitability – helping to optimize benefits and build a strong evidence base for scaling. With expansion underway in Virginia and plans to scale into the Southeast and Midwest, our program’s potential to transform supply chains and restore agricultural landscapes is immense.
Experienced Leadership
Our Growing American Farmer Prosperity program is led by Patrick Brown, a fourth-generation farmer who is mentoring the fifth generation of his family at Brown Family Farms. Named the 2024 North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year, Patrick also serves on the USDA council advising the recently created Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program. His expertise is instrumental in reducing barriers for small farmers in voluntary environmental credit markets, ensuring they benefit from emerging opportunities.
