At Cosap Co-op, we believe in the power of collaboration, storytelling, and the deep connections between people, land, and the food we share. That’s why we were thrilled to sit down with Olivia Fuller (she/her), the New York Communications Manager for the American Farmland Trust (AFT), to talk about her journey in agriculture, her role at AFT, and how our shared values are helping shape a more just and sustainable food system.
Growing Up on the Land
Olivia’s relationship with farming is rooted in her upbringing on a dairy farm in Fort Ann, New York, right on the edge of the Adirondack Park. “I grew up as the only child of a dairy farmer,” she shared. “Some of my earliest memories include rounding up cows for milking as the sun came up and sitting in the parlor with my dad.”
Her love for the land only grew deeper over time. After high school, a classmate-turned-coworker-
Wearing Many Hats at AFT
As the New York Communications Manager at AFT, Olivia works across the organization to amplify the impact of programs that protect farmland, support farmers, and promote regenerative practices. “I work closely with our regional team on everything from technical assistance to policy advocacy,” she explained. “I oversee marketing, social media, press, blogs, and our storytelling efforts.”
One of the stories she’s recently been excited to tell? The COSAP Co-op collaboration! “The peel-and-stick patch brought one of my beloved old jean jackets back to life,” Olivia shared. “It’s a small but powerful way to extend the life of something meaningful – a great reminder of sustainability in practice.”
Finding Her Calling
Olivia’s connection to the American Farmland Trust began when she was in college, inspired by a conversation with a family friend who worked at AFT’s Washington, DC office. “I’d seen the iconic ‘No Farms No Food’ bumper stickers, but that conversation helped me realize I could merge my passion for agriculture with my communication skills.”
That realization led her to apply for a job at AFT in the New York office nearly a decade ago. “It was the perfect fit – and I’ve been with AFT ever since.”
A Culture of Purpose
When asked what she loves about working at AFT, Olivia points to the people and the purpose. “Our culture is open, welcoming, and adaptable. I’m surrounded by passionate and kind coworkers who care deeply about the mission. That gives me energy, especially on the busy days.”
Impact that Grows with Each Generation
For Olivia, one of AFT’s most meaningful initiatives is Farmland for a New Generation New York, a program helping connect beginning farmers with access to land and older farmers looking to transition their farms. “If I hadn’t been interested in farming, my dad would have faced the same challenge many aging farmers do: not knowing who will take over the farm,” she said.
What inspires her most is how many young farmers entering agriculture today are committed to regenerative practices, food justice, and community resilience. “When we reduce barriers to land access, we empower them to focus on what really matters – feeding their communities with care and intention.”
“Protecting & Connecting: People, Plants, Place”
That phrase resonates deeply with Olivia. “As a storyteller, this theme captures the essence of what we do at AFT,” she said. “We help people connect with agriculture – even if they didn’t grow up on a farm – because we protect what we know and care about.”
Whether it’s clean drinking water, fresh local food, or the communities that tend our land, AFT’s work is about reminding people that farming is not separate from our environment – it’s central to it. “It’s all connected,” Olivia said. “The people, the practices, and the place.”
At COSAP Co-op, we’re proud to be working alongside organizations like the American Farmland Trust – and individuals like Olivia – who are shaping a future where land, community, and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Want to join the movement? Explore our collaborations and stay connected to the people behind the patch.