Protecting the future of farming in Iowa while promoting sustainable agriculture.

The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) was founded by 25 of the most respected leaders in food and agriculture, planning, and development. These leaders met to save and protect small, diverse, and clean farms that feed Iowans.

Iowa imports nearly 90 percent of its food while exporting nearly everything we grow, leaving us stuck with the waste. Hog manure, poor soil fertility, limited and polluted water supply, and rancid air harm urban and rural communities alike. SILT works to promote economic independence among the Iowa workforce while protecting the environment that feeds us.

Our Mission: To secure, preserve and steward threatened farmland, ensuring that future generations of farmers have access to Iowa land to produce healthy food in the most sustainable ways possible.

Our Vision: An Iowa sustained by wholesome food grown on community-based farms.

Our model takes land speculation and mortgage interest out of the equation for future healthy food farmers. The results of our work include providing affordable land access to farms near markets for our fruit and vegetable farmers. Through donations, land grants, buying land for sale, and more, we are actively protecting Iowa farmland and the families who care for it. This takes us closer and closer to a secure, healthy food production system for the future, more fresh food in our communities, clean water, fresh air, and healthy soils.

If you’re looking to support nonprofits near you, look no further! A SILT farm may be closer to you than you think! If you’re interested in protecting your land or getting involved, contact us today to start the conversation.