New program launches to train sustainable agricultural finance leaders

A new leadership program aims to equip professionals with the tools to scale sustainable agriculture and strengthen food system resilience. The six-month Resilient Futures Leadership Program: Financing Sustainable Agriculture is now accepting applications through December 5, 2025.

Hosted by Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, starting in early 2026 the program will bring together up to 30 early- to mid-career professionals to gain a practical understanding of regenerative practices, the agricultural value chain, sustainability indicators, policy signals, and innovative finance mechanisms, while engaging directly with leading voices from finance, agriculture, technology, and academia.

Graduates will complete a final project tied to their organization and join a cross-sector alumni network dedicated to financing resilient ecosystems and enhancing 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 for 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."

The program will be delivered through three learning modules that combine classroom training, field-based learning, and expert-led sessions. Participants will explore innovative finance approaches-including blended finance, sustainable finance, and transition risk sharing - while gaining insight into policy and market signals, underwriting, assurance, and outcomes-based finance. Through direct engagement with leaders across finance, agriculture, technology, conservation, and academia, participants will develop cross-sector perspectives and build a strong nationwide network of peers spanning the entire agriculture value chain.