Common Ground Central

Join Common Ground, the only farmland access gathering in central Illinois! Due to the compounding trends of consolidation, rising land prices, residential development, and the complexity of farm transitions, farmers statewide struggle with finding secure, affordable, and equitable land arrangements, while farmland owners struggle to meet their stewardship goals and preserve their farm legacy.

Common Ground – Central Illinois is an annual gathering focused on farmland access and farm transition solutions for both farmers and farmland owners in central Illinois. This is a social and educational event for those who have pressing needs around land access, want to grow their skills, and care deeply about what broader farmland access challenges mean for the future of Illinois agriculture. The event also gives farmers and landowners the opportunity to make direct connections and encourage each other.

Common Ground – Central Illinois is organized by American Farmland Trust, Savanna Institute, and Illinois FarmLink. Each partner brings regional expertise, years of experience working with farmers and landowners, and a strong commitment to the good food movement.

Admission is $10 (pre-registration required). Travel assistance stipends are available for farmers which you can apply for during registration.