The Connecticut Farmland Trust has achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, the organization announced in a news release Tuesday.

With this recognition CFT becomes one of only six Connecticut land trusts to be so honored.

"Connecticut Farmland Trust is thrilled that the Land Trust Accreditation Commission has recognized our commitment to integrity and permanence," CFT President Mike Fotos said in a news release "We're proud to be identified among the leaders of Connecticut's land trust community.  Accreditation has delivered new energy to our mission: ensuring the healthy persistence of Connecticut's working lands, in perpetuity."

Since its founding in 2002, CFT has protected 27 farms and over 2,100 acres. CFT is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on the donations of residents. CFT is Connecticut's only statewide land trust, and the only land trust in the state dedicated solely to the protection of agricultural land.

Connecticut Farmland Trust joins 181 land trusts from across the country that has been awarded accreditation since the fall of 2008. Accredited land trusts are able to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent.