SILT is about securing a healthy food supply from the ground up – for good.

Today’s world is facing a serious farming crisis. Many current farming systems result in overused soil and polluted air and water. SILT works to promote sustainable agriculture and support farmers who provide Iowas with farm-fresh food every day. We work with farmers towards achieving sustainable development that helps protect farmland in Iowa. SILT also helps beginning farmers by increasing access to affordable farming through land grants and land easements. We purchase farms for sale in Iowa, as well as land and farms we receive through donations, to help increase access to affordable farmland for all Iowans. SILT is permanently protecting land for sustainable food farming:

  • Increases the amount of fresh, ripe food in the Midwest.
  • Permanently improves water and soil quality.
  • Rebuilds our rural economy.
  • Mitigates climate change.
  • Reintroduces farming that is accountable to its neighbors.
  • Increases our economic independence.
  • Reduces the cost of land for farmers.
  • Increases diversity in our agricultural economy.

To Change the Face of Midwest Agriculture

Perspective from Raj Patel

SILT hosted international activist and bestselling author Raj Patel to speak to his film project showing Malawian farmers bringing climate change issues to Iowans. Farmer Denise O’Brien and Iowa City Mayor Jim Throgmorton joined Raj on stage for a discussion after his talk.