Cornell and Field to Market Launch Ag Leadership Initiative

By Blake Jackson

A new leadership initiative is offering professionals the opportunity to strengthen sustainable agriculture and food system resilience. The Resilient Futures Leadership Program: Financing Sustainable Agriculture is now accepting applications through December 5, 2025, for its six-month program beginning in early 2026.

Hosted by Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the program will select up to 30 early- to mid-career professionals.

Participants will gain practical insights into regenerative farming practices, the agricultural value chain, sustainability metrics, policy trends, and innovative finance strategies, while learning directly from experts in finance, technology, agriculture, and academia.

Graduates will complete a capstone project linked to their organization and join a cross-sector alumni network focused on financing resilient ecosystems and improving farmer livelihoods.

“Farmers increasingly recognize the long-term value of conservation practices, yet too often they do not see that value reflected in their bottom line,” said Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, President of Field to Market.

“This program equips leaders with the skills to bridge that divide mobilizing finance to reward stewardship and deliver resilience for both farmers and the environment.”

“At Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, we know lasting progress comes from building partnerships that link research, business, and policy with on-the-ground impact,” said Alan Martinez, Lead of Climate and Nature Finance at Cornell Atkinson Center of Sustainability.

“Through this program, we’re cultivating leaders who will translate cutting-edge science into financial strategies, driving systemic change and accelerating sustainable agriculture that rewards farmers and regenerates landscapes.”

Delivered through three learning modules, the program combines classroom sessions, field-based learning, and expert-led discussions.

Participants will explore innovative finance approaches, including blended finance, sustainable finance, and outcomes-based models, while gaining cross-sector perspectives and building a strong nationwide professional network.

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