Our farm was purchased mainly by investors. I used my social capital to accomplish this task. There are many groups currently willing to invest in farmland that someone is willing to work and manage.
Slow Money is a group that uses local investment clubs to raise funds for local and organic farms. The idea is to link people with their local food supply in concrete ways and help farmers to get the financing they need. They have zero and low interest loans and also raise funds in a number of other ways.
The founder, Woody Tasch believes strongly in the power of local economies and healthy food. One thing he’d like to see is local stock exchanges happening where people could invest in the success of local businesses more easily.
The number of farmland investor groups continues to grow. Some are more ethical than others, so do your homework on them!
A couple of cryptocurrencies are worth mentioning - SEEDs and Regen Network. They are new networks but trying to incorporate access to farmland in their currency design.
Agritopia, in Phoenix, Arizona, includes a farm that can be worked by residents in exchange for food grown there, open spaces, and a commercial area. The idea is to create a walkable community that meets most of the needs of residents within easy walking or biking distance.