At COSAP Co-op, we believe that sharing stories is one of the most powerful ways to inspire collective action and celebrate the work being done across the sustainable agriculture landscape. That’s why we’re excited to highlight the story of one AFT team member who embodies the values of protecting farmland, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting farmers at every step.
We recently sat down with Tim Biello, the New York Program Specialist at American Farmland Trust, to hear more about his journey in agriculture and how his work supports a resilient and equitable food system.
Q: Tim, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Tim, and I live in New York. I’ve been farming and doing farm-related studies and work for 20 years. While I didn’t grow up in a farming family, I became deeply interested in agriculture as a way to combine physical and mental work, connect closely with plants and animals, grow food, maintain and improve soils and water and habitat, and be a beneficial part of my community.
Q: How did you find your way to AFT?
I was farming in Central New York while looking for land in Eastern New York when a position with American Farmland Trust opened up in Saratoga Springs. It was a great fit for my background, interests, and goals—and the timing was just right.
Q: What is your role at AFT?
As the New York Program Specialist, I often work directly with farmers and farmland owners on their land access and transfer projects. I also collaborate with a network of farm service providers throughout New York to build and maintain support for farmers and farmland owners. Another key part of my work is being on the team for the New York Farmland Access Fund, a revolving loan program that protects farmland while providing affordable farm ownership opportunities for farmers.
Q: Why did you choose to work with AFT?
I want to help farmers. That means working with them to find farmland, secure access to it, and succeed in farming. It also means supporting farmland owners in ensuring as much farmland as possible remains available for agriculture—now and for generations to come.
Q: What’s the culture at AFT like?
Everyone I work with is passionate about protecting farmland, ensuring stewardship of that land, and supporting farmers. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by smart, creative, and dedicated colleagues who share the same values. As a farmer myself, it also feels meaningful to work in an organization that recognizes and supports the values of farming, even among its staff.
Q: In your view, what are some of the most impactful things AFT does to uphold environmental stewardship, human care, food health and taste, and fairness in food distribution?
It’s hard to choose just one. One of the most impactful things AFT does is act as a bridge-builder between different interests, always keeping farmland, stewardship, and farmers at the center. That work is challenging—but it’s essential for sustaining the land that sustains us.
Q: What comes to mind when you hear “protecting and connecting: people, plants, place”?
I think about the farmers and farmland owners I work with every day. I think about their farms, my own farm, and the farmland I see wherever I travel. To me, it represents the deep connection between farmers, the land they steward, the larger ecosystems their land supports, and the communities that benefit from their work and commitment.
Through Tim’s reflections, it’s clear that AFT is not only working to safeguard farmland but also to build bridges—between farmers, landowners, and communities—to ensure a thriving food system. We’re proud to be in partnership with organizations like AFT—and people like Tim—who embody the vision of protecting and connecting people, plants, and place every day.
Stay tuned for more spotlight stories as we continue to uplift the voices of those protecting and connecting across the food system.