(NAFB.com) – American Farmland Trust recently awarded more than $1 million to 110 farmers around the country through the Brighter Future Fund. The grant announcement came out on National Farmer’s Day that recognizes the importance of American farmers. This year, AFT received more than 1,500 applications from 48 states, an all-time high and almost double the number of applications last year. Priority was given to applicants who were starting their agricultural pursuits, veterans, women, or those with limited resources. Funds were allocated for both professional services and equipment or infrastructure costs, with focus areas including improving farm viability, accessing farmland, and adopting regenerative agricultural practices. AFT awards grants to farmers and ranchers to advance its mission to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land. The Brighter Future Fund was launched in 2020 to help farmers around the U.S. start, grow, and sustain farms despite a number of challenges.