Tackling a Longstanding Problem in Rural America
Unclear land ownership puts many American families—especially those in rural and under-resourced communities—at risk of losing their land and wealth. Heirs’ property is a major challenge, often occurring in agricultural communities, where fragmented ownership can limit economic opportunities and increase vulnerability to land loss.
This longstanding issue affects many rural families, particularly in agricultural areas where landownership can become fragmented over generations. This uncertainty leads to unclear marketable titles, creating barriers for landowners to access essential resources and financial opportunities.
A New Partnership: National Heirs’ Property Alliance
Farm Credit is proud to announce its new partnership with Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® (CHPP) to support their work to build out a new National Heirs’ Property Alliance. This alliance will offer support and resources for landowners seeking to clear title to their properties providing a path towards land productivity.
The alliance’s initial efforts will focus in six states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas and West Virginia.
Farm Credit’s mission to support agriculture and rural communities aligns closely with CHPP’s work to help families safeguard their land and ensure viability.
CHPP’s Impact
Since its founding in 2005, the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® has made a significant impact in South Carolina. To date, CHPP has provided over 5,000 individuals with free “Advice and Counsel” sessions and helped nearly 2,000 clients clear title to their family land. Additionally, the organization has drafted over 2,000 simple wills through community Wills Clinics, clearing a total of over 400 titles on family land valued at more than $30 million.
CHPP’s expertise extends into forestry, having assisted over 650 families who collectively own more than 40,000 acres of land through educational programs and technical support.
Preserve Your Roots, Grow Your Future
Heirs’ property has long been a barrier to economic opportunity and land ownership for many rural families. This partnership between Farm Credit and CHPP marks a critical step forward in building out a National Heirs’ Property Alliance. Farm Credit’s support will provide CHPP with additional pathways to help families preserve their land and unlock its economic potential.
To learn more about the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, visit www.heirsproperty.org.
