About Us

SfL: Creating a Unique Vision

Our Story

Solutions from the Land (SfL) was conceived and led by a cross-sector team of respected agriculture, forestry, conservation, academic and industry leaders, who came together in 2009 based on clean energy discussions facilitated by the 25x’25 Alliance to explore integrated land management solutions to help meet food security, economic development, climate change and conservation of biodiversity goals. Beginning as a dialogue on what the future of agriculture might look like, co-sponsored by the United Nations Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and the Farm Foundation, SfL has evolved into a 501c3 nonprofit operating in eight states, offering national and global advocacy for land-based solutions to world problems.

 

Read more about our leaders below!

Our Work

Today, SfL continues to build and facilitates state, national, and global initiatives and alliances through which farmers, ranchers, foresters and collaborating partners showcase examples of innovation and proactively advocate for policies, partnerships, investments, and research that will enable agricultural landscapes to deliver near-term, cost-effective, integrated solutions to global mega-challenges: food and energy security; sustainable economic development; and environmental improvement.

Click on a platform to learn more.

Domestic Platform

SfL is currently engaged in a national program of sustainability advocacy by sharing the findings of its established state CSA network and leaders.

Global Platform

SfL farmer envoys are proactively engaging United Nations platforms, events, staff officials and member states advancing our 21st “Agricultural Renaissance” recommendations.

Our Approach:

N

Enables agriculture leaders

to examine the potential vulnerabilities and opportunities created by changing climatic conditions in ways that are relevant to their daily lives;
N

Equips producers

with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and manage new risks under changing conditions;

N

Inspires & empowers agricultural leaders

to become leaders in the broader discussion of climate smart agriculture (CSA), including adaptation and mitigation strategies; and
N

Mobilizes thought leaders

to advocate for needed changes in land use practices, research, education, and policy.

SfL puts farmers, ranchers and foresters at the forefront of resolving food system, energy, environmental and climate challenges and achieving global sustainable development goals. SfL Work Groups tackle three objectives simultaneously: sustainably increasing agricultural productivity (including ecosystem services and societal benefits) and incomes; adapting and building resilience; and reducing and removing greenhouse gas emissions.

Our experience building and facilitating a network of climate smart agriculture (CSA) work groups at the state and national level has inspired partnerships with rural sociologists and clearly demonstrated the message: “To effectively engage and mobilize farmers in delivering solutions from the land, we must do so in ways that are relevant to their daily lives.”

Read on to learn more about SfL’s unique portfolio of state, landscape level and global initiatives.

OUR LEADERS

Co-Chairs

Trey Hill

Home Rock Hall Maryland USA
Photo of Trey Hill

Biographical Info

Trey Hill is the owner and manager of Harborview Farms in Rock Hall, Maryland. A fourth-generation grain farmer, he and his family sustainably produce corn, wheat, and soybeans for the Mid-Atlantic region.

A graduate of Perdue University with a degree in Farm Management and Economics, Hill has been committed throughout his career to innovative agriculture sustainability. At Harborview Farms, he and his team are breaking new ground with innovative and creative farming techniques—combining the wisdom of traditional practices with forward-thinking, environmentally conscious solutions that are shaping the future of the agricultural industry.

Guided by the belief that the right farming practices can improve the quality of our lives, land, and waterways, Hill sees the opportunity for change and transformation in each new season. Hill is drawing from that deep environmental ethic and his multigenerational farming legacy as Harborview Farms grows towards the future. Hill and his wife, Cheryl, have two children.

Categories: Renaissance Report Panel, SfL Farmer Envoys

President

Board of Directors

Farmer Envoys

Senior Advisors

Many thanks to our other founding leaders!

The SfL Network