What Farm Foundation does

Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1933 and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, with operational facilities at its 30-acre Innovation and Education Campus in Libertyville, Illinois. The organization serves the U.S. food and agriculture sector by convening senior leaders across the value chain, developing next-generation agricultural talent, and producing issue research on food, agricultural, and rural policy. Its core offerings include the invitation-only Round Table (a biannual discussion forum for senior executives), virtual Forums delivered via Zoom, and a portfolio of next-generation programs including Cultivators, the Agricultural Scholars Program (in partnership with USDA Economic Research Service), FarmPath, the CAFE Student Workshop, Field to Future (sponsored by the PepsiCo Foundation), the Young Farmer Accelerator Program, and the Congressional Fellowship Program.

The organization operates a "think tank/do tank" hybrid model that combines policy research with action-oriented convening and capacity building. Its business model is donation- and grant-funded rather than revenue-generating: programs are primarily free or fully funded for participants (FarmPath, the Scholars cohort, and Field to Future are explicitly free or scholarship-supported), and no commercial product pricing is published. Revenue derives from individual donations, planned giving, foundation grants (notably from Farm Credit and PepsiCo Foundation), and corporate partnerships. Distribution relies on application-based and invitation-based participant recruitment through university networks (Tuskegee University, Oklahoma State, Purdue, and others) and government partnerships.

The go-to-market approach is event-driven and community-led: the Round Table is invitation-only and curated by industry standing; Forums are publicly accessible virtual events; student programs are application-based and selected for merit. Brand strength rests on 90+ years of nonpartisan, cross-sector convening, and the organization is extending its reach internationally through the 2022-founded Global Forum on Farm Policy and Innovation (GFFPI) with peer institutes in Australia, Canada, and the EU. The stated staff count is 1-10, indicating a lean operating model with programmatic delivery executed in partnership with external organizations, universities, and government agencies.

Name

Farm Foundation

Legal name

Farm Foundation

Website

https://farmfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1933

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1933 that convenes senior food and agriculture leaders, develops next-generation agricultural talent, and produces policy research through programs like the Round Table, Forums, FarmPath, and the Innovation and Education Campus in Illinois.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development

NAICS

Farm Management Services (115116)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Agriculture, Farming & AgriTech Shows Organizers (THAHABAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Agricultural Production & Farm Operations (EDAOAOAA)

Keywords

• Agricultural policy convening
• Leadership development programs
• Farmer education programs
• Agricultural research publications
• Nonprofit think tank

Headquarters

HQ city

Oak Brook

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Farm Foundation relies on donations from individuals and organizations committed to advancing agriculture. The website prominently features a 'Donate Now' option and planned giving programs.
2. Grants and Program Sponsorships: Farm Foundation receives grant funding from partners such as Farm Credit (forums) and PepsiCo Foundation (Field to Future program scholarships). These grants support specific educational and development programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that convenes leaders, develops future talent, and produces research to advance practical solutions across the food and agriculture value chain. Its core offerings are programmatic: an invitation-only Round Table discussion forum, public policy Forums, and a portfolio of next-generation leadership programs (Cultivators, Agricultural Scholars, FarmPath, CAFE Student Workshop, Field to Future, Young Farmer Accelerator, Young Agri-Food Leaders, Congressional Fellowship). It also operates a 30-acre Education and Innovation Campus in Libertyville, Illinois for immersive learning.

Product overview

Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as an independent accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture. The organization functions as both a think tank and a do tank, combining trust and reliability with impact and urgency. Farm Foundation's offerings are primarily programmatic rather than product-based, centered around convening leaders and developing future talent across the food and agriculture sector. The core portfolio includes the Round Table (an invitation-only discussion forum for senior leaders), public Forums (virtual webinars on policy topics), and multiple next-generation programming initiatives including the Cultivator Program, Agricultural Scholars Program (in partnership with USDA ERS), FarmPath, CAFE Student Workshop, Field to Future Program (in partnership with PepsiCo), Young Farmer Accelerator Program, Young Agri-Food Leaders, and the Congressional Fellowship Program. The organization also operates an Innovation and Education Campus in Libertyville, Illinois, which serves as a physical venue for hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world testing of agricultural solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Farm Foundation Round Table An invitation-only discussion forum for leaders from across the food and agriculture value chain, meeting twice yearly to provide discussion and interaction among thought leaders from government, academia, agribusiness, and interest groups.
• Farm Foundation Forums Public forums designed to engage stakeholders in informed dialogue on timely food, agricultural, and rural policy issues, held virtually via Zoom webinar and covering topics from farm bills to biotechnology to trade.
• Cultivators Program An exclusive opportunity for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture to engage directly with senior leaders and policy discussions at the Round Table, with two cohorts per year aligned to biannual Round Table meetings.
• Agricultural Scholars Program A fully funded, 12-month professional development program for graduate students in agricultural economics or related policy fields, conducted in collaboration with USDA's Economic Research Service, providing mentorship, capstone research, and Forum participation.
• FarmPath Program A free three-year program providing practical education in best practices for resilient agriculture and farm management, access to experienced mentors, and connection to a national network of professionals across food and agriculture.
• CAFE Student Workshop A student workshop program featuring five virtual sessions followed by an in-person workshop, connecting students with opportunities in food and agriculture.
• Field to Future Program A scholarship and internship program where selected students receive funding from the PepsiCo Foundation for educational expenses and have the opportunity to interview for paid internships within PepsiCo's agriculture supply chain.
• Young Farmer Accelerator Program A program designed to support and accelerate the success of young farmers through mentorship, education, and networking opportunities.
• Young Agri-Food Leaders Program A next-generation programming initiative designed to develop future leaders across the food and agriculture sector.
• Congressional Fellowship Program A fellowship program placing individuals in congressional offices to gain experience in agricultural policy development.
• Innovation and Education Campus (IEC) Farm Foundation's 30-acre campus in Libertyville, Illinois, designed as a space for hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world testing, hosting immersive programs, demonstrations, and convenings that connect people across sectors.
• Agricultural Economics Fellow Program Fellow program for emerging researchers and professionals in agricultural economics, providing exposure to senior leaders, policy discussions, and applied research opportunities.
• Inside Food & Ag Series Bootcamp-style educational series providing immersive exposure to food and agriculture topics for participants seeking deeper sector literacy.
• Farm Foundation Awards Program Awards program recognizing leadership and contributions in food and agriculture, listed under the Programs section of the website.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Global Forum on Farm Policy and Innovation (GFFPI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 October 2022GFFPI is a collaborative platform formed by four leading independent agricultural institutes from Australia, Canada, EU, and US. The partnership uses evidence-based insights and emerging research to fuel dialogue and identify opportunities to advance sustainable agriculture globally.
• Australian Farm InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 October 2022One of the four founding organizations of GFFPI. An independent institute leading farm policy discussions to ensure a viable future for the Australian agriculture community.
• Canadian Agri-Food Policy InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 October 2022One of the four founding organizations of GFFPI. An independent, non-partisan not-for-profit organization for agri-food leaders to share insights and advance ideas on emerging issues.
• Forum for the Future of Agriculture (EU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 October 2022One of the four founding organizations of GFFPI. An independent, open, and inclusive convener working to build a more resilient food and agriculture system in Europe.
• Farm CreditflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFarm Credit provides grant funding to make Farm Foundation Forums possible. This partnership supports public dialogue on timely food, agricultural and rural policy issues.
• USDA Economic Research ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Agricultural Scholars program. ERS senior analysts mentor scholars throughout the 12-month program, and scholars present capstone research to ERS economists.
• Tuskegee UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost institution for the CAFE Student Workshop in-person component (May 27-28, 2026), part of Farm Foundation's next generation programming.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• 4-H (National 4-H Council): A U.S. youth development non-profit with deep roots in agricultural education, leadership, and community engagement. Comparable to Farm Foundation's portfolio of next-generation and farmer education programming.
• American Farmland Trust: A national non-profit focused on protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Highly comparable to Farm Foundation in mission, agricultural policy engagement, and non-profit convener model.
• Future Farmers of America (National FFA Organization): A youth-oriented non-profit that delivers agricultural education, leadership development, and career programming to students. Comparable to Farm Foundation's Cultivators, CAFE, and FarmPath programs targeting next-generation agricultural leaders.
• National Farmers Union: A U.S. agricultural organization that advocates for family farmers and ranchers through policy, education, and cooperative development. Comparable to Farm Foundation in its policy-focused mission to support agricultural producers and rural communities.

Broad incumbents

• The Aspen Institute: A large, well-established non-partisan educational and policy studies organization that convenes leaders through flagship dialogue programs (e.g., Aspen Strategy Group). Comparable to Farm Foundation as a long-running, nonpartisan convener focused on leadership and policy.
• The Nature Conservancy: A large environmental non-profit with significant agricultural and working-lands programs, including policy advocacy and on-the-ground farm projects. Comparable to Farm Foundation in its agricultural sustainability and policy engagement.
• American Farm Bureau Federation: The largest U.S. agricultural advocacy organization, representing farmers and ranchers on policy issues. Comparable to Farm Foundation's agricultural policy engagement, though more explicitly advocacy-oriented rather than nonpartisan convening.
• Pew Research Center: A non-partisan fact tank that produces policy-relevant research and convenes stakeholders. Comparable to Farm Foundation as a long-running, mission-driven research and convening organization, though operating at a much larger scale and in many topics beyond agriculture.

Emerging players

• Food Tank: A non-profit think tank focused on sustainable agriculture, food policy, and convening global stakeholders. Comparable to Farm Foundation in its food and agriculture policy research and convening function, though digitally native and younger.
• The Breakthrough Institute: A research and policy think tank producing work on food, agriculture, energy, and environmental issues. Comparable to Farm Foundation's issue reports and policy research output, though with a stronger ideological positioning.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/farmfoundation
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/thefarmfoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/thefarmfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/farm-foundation-nfp/?viewAsMember=true

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Farm Foundation