A new initiative, the Resilient Futures Leadership Program: Financing Sustainable Agriculture, is set to equip professionals with essential skills aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the resilience of food systems. This six-month program is now accepting applications until December 5, 2025, and will commence in early 2026. It is hosted by Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture in collaboration with the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.
Up to 30 early- to mid-career professionals will participate in this program, which focuses on delivering practical knowledge related to regenerative agricultural practices, the agricultural value chain, sustainability indicators, and innovative finance mechanisms. Participants will interact with influential leaders from various sectors, including finance, agriculture, technology, and academia.
Graduates of the program will undertake a final project connected to their respective organizations. They will also gain access to a cross-sector alumni network dedicated to financing resilient ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, President of Field to Market, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Farmers increasingly recognize the long-term value of conservation practices, yet too often they do not see that value reflected in their bottom line. 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.”
The program structure comprises three learning modules that blend classroom education with field-based learning and expert-led sessions. Participants will explore various innovative finance approaches, such as blended finance, sustainable finance, and transition risk sharing. They will also receive insights into policy and market signals, underwriting, assurance, and outcomes-based finance.
Alan Martinez, Lead of Climate and Nature Finance at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, noted the program’s focus on creating effective partnerships. “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. 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.”
This initiative aims to foster cross-sector perspectives among participants, enabling them to build a robust national network of peers across the entire agricultural value chain. By engaging directly with leaders in finance, agriculture, technology, and conservation, participants will be well-equipped to drive future developments in sustainable agriculture.
