The presentations in this session from American Farmland Trust's Farmland, Food and Livable Communities Conference examine the growing national attention on resiliency, food security and health, and how local food, local economies, and food system planning is receiving more attention from planners, policymakers and the general public. Many units of government, from city to multi-state regions, and nonprofit organizations, including foundations, are undertaking foodshed assessments, feasibility studies and plans to envision a more sustainable food system. But how are these recommendations and projects implemented? This session explores the use of different financial resources and policy and legislative initiatives to knit together sustainable food systems and thriving agricultural communities. 

Session presenters: Alison Hastings, Manager, Office of Strategic Partnerships, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (moderator); Tim McNeilly, USDA Rural Development Coordinator, Kentucky; Ed Thompson, Jr., California Director and Senior Associate, American Farmland Trust.