Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Internship Summary:

The AFT Midwest Policy Intern will play a key role in advancing American Farmland Trust’s policy agenda in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The internship offers hands-on experience in policy development and advocacy related to on-farm conservation practices, farmland protection, land access, food systems, and Smart Solar℠ , with opportunities to work closely with AFT’s Midwest Regional Staff and a diverse group of partners across the region. The Midwest Policy Intern will conduct research, track and analyze legislation, engage with policymakers, develop advocacy materials, and contribute to campaigns related to sustainable agriculture and farm viability. AFT works across all types of agricultural policy, allowing the AFT Midwest Policy Intern to engage in and contribute to the topics they find most interesting.

If the Midwest Policy Intern decides to extend their internship into the Summer, they will have the opportunity to conduct a comparative research project. The project will include qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, literature review, and writing. The topic will be decided based on the Midwest Policy Intern’s interests and AFT’s needs. A past project example is a Midwest Land Access Policy Landscape Analysis. Future projects could cover state Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategies, funding for conservation, strategies for siting solar, or other topics the intern is interested in.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support for tracking and analyzing legislation filed in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin related to AFT’s policy platform
• Assist in the development and distribution of educational materials on AFT’s policy priorities (i.e. policy briefings, fact sheets, reports, action alerts, etc.)
• Help build relationships with key policymakers by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and shaping messaging
• Engage with partners and farmers to gather feedback and build support for AFT’s policy priorities
• Conduct research and outreach to identify new policy opportunities in AFT’s priority areas
• Represent AFT at public meetings, field days and educational events  
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree with a focus on public policy, political science, environmental science, environmental studies, or economics.
• Interest in AFT’s mission and passion for conservation, agriculture, and/or rural issues.
• Ability to read and interpret legislative language and to conduct independent research.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Excel and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude.
• Willingness to adapt and remain flexible as projects and priorities change.

About the Supervisor:

Claire is American Farmland Trust’s Midwest Policy Manager, where she works with policymakers, partners and producers to advance state policies that protect farmland, promote soil health, and keep farmers on the land. Before joining AFT, Claire worked for a trade association in the UK on circular bioresources technical assistance and regulatory reform. She received an MSc in Environmental Governance from the University of Oxford and a MSc in Agricultural Economics and BS in Agribusiness from the University of Missouri.

Eligibility:

• International and Domestic students
• Undergraduate and Graduate students

Location, Modality, and Commute:

AFT does not have a physical office space. We can plan to set up co-working sessions in Chicago and create opportunities for the intern to attend events, field days, advocacy days, and conferences that AFT will be involved in.

Start and End Date:

The Academic Year internships will take place according to the IOP’s timeline, with specific dates and weekly hours to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process: Onboarding: November – December 2026 Intern Work Period: January – May 2027 Optional Summer Work Period: May 2027 – August 2027