Farm Bill 101: New Farmers and Ranchers

New Farmers and Ranchers:

• The Farm Bill invests in the future of agriculture by cultivating and supporting the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agriculture professionals.
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, there are more than 516,000 farms run by new and beginning farmers and ranchers in our country, which is about one-fourth of all U.S. farm operations. These farms generate about $60.4 billion in annual economic activity.
• These farmers and ranchers boost our rural economies, build capacity into an aging farm population, and support small and middle-sized farms, which have been on the decline.

A History of Support:

• Farm Bill programs have always been open to new and beginning farmers and ranchers. However, in the 2018 Farm Bill, under the leadership of Senator Stabenow, support was expanded, including the new Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach (FOTO) program.

Farmer Fact:

• The average American farmer is 57.5 years old. As these farmers begin to reach retirement age, it is even more important to invest in and support the next generation of agriculture professionals.

Supporting the Next Generation:

• The Farm Bill provides new farmers and ranchers with access to crop insurance, disaster assistance, loans and grants, training and education, and conservation initiatives. These programs include:
  • Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach, which provides $435 million in mandatory funding to support training, education, outreach, and technical assistance.
  • Local Agriculture Market Program, which sets aside 10% of funding for this popular program for new and beginning farmers and other historically underserved producers.
  • Conservation Programs, which include preferences for new and beginning farmers and other historically underserved producers.
  • Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators, which provide outreach and technical assistance to help new and beginning farmers and ranchers access federal programs.
  • 1890 Scholarships and New Beginning for Tribal Students, which support educational opportunities for students who wish to pursue a career in agriculture or related fields.
  • Support for Urban Agriculture, which provides new access and opportunities for beginning, young, and underserved farmers.
  • And much more! 

Find Out More:

• You can learn more about how the Farm Bill supports new and beginning farmers here.