Turning ideas into action for more than 90 years.
Agriculture’s future depends on people who are willing to listen, learn, and work together.
Since 1933, Farm Foundation has brought together leaders from across food and agriculture to tackle complex challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and turn promising ideas into practical solutions. As an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit, we create opportunities for collaboration that strengthen agriculture today while preparing for what’s next.
Our Story
More than Nine Decades of Progress
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1933
Farm Foundation is Established
Farm Foundation was created to strengthen American agriculture through research, education, and collaboration. Founded by International Harvester President Alexander Legge and former Illinois Governor Frank Lowden, the organization was built on the belief that agriculture is strongest when people work together.
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1975
A Trusted Place for Dialogue
As agriculture evolved, so did Farm Foundation. We became known for bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives to explore emerging issues, build understanding, and find common ground.
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2013
Investing in Future Leaders
Recognizing that agriculture's future depends on strong leadership, Farm Foundation expanded its commitment to developing emerging leaders through immersive programs, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.
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2023
A Campus Designed for Collaboration
Opened a dedicated campus to host convenings, demonstrations, educational programming, and collaborative events that bring ideas into action.
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Today
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing food and agriculture continue to evolve—and so do we. Every day, Farm Foundation helps connect people, build understanding, and create opportunities to turn ideas into action for the benefit of agriculture and society.
Our Mission
Farm Foundation is an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture. We leverage the power of collaboration between food and agricultural stakeholders with diverse perspectives to spark beneficial solutions that will advance agriculture in positive ways. Our unique approach combines the trust and reliability of a “think tank” with the impact and urgency of a “do tank,” helping turn ideas into action.
Our Vision
A thriving and trusted agriculture system where people, policy, and innovation work together for the good of farmers, communities, and society.
Our Board
Our Board of Directors includes respected leaders from across agriculture, business, academia, philanthropy, and public service. Together, they provide the vision and stewardship that guide Farm Foundation’s mission and long-term impact.
Our Team
Behind every program, partnership, and event is a team committed to strengthening the future of food and agriculture. We work alongside partners across the industry to connect people, share knowledge, and help turn ideas into action.
Our Supporters
Program Sponsors
What Makes Farm Foundation Different
Turning Conversation Into Progress
The biggest opportunities in agriculture don’t belong to one organization, one sector, or one perspective.
That’s why Farm Foundation brings together farmers, researchers, policymakers, educators, businesses, philanthropists, and the next generation of leaders to learn from one another and tackle shared challenges.
Our work doesn’t end when the conversation does. Through leadership development, educational programs, on-farm demonstration, trusted dialogue, and strategic partnerships, we help ideas move beyond discussion and into practice.
Whether we’re preparing future leaders, supporting beginning farmers, exploring innovative farming practices, or creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration, our focus remains the same: building a stronger future for food and agriculture.
