U.S. Senator Tina Smith and U.S. Representatives Budzinski, Nunn and Courtney Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help New Farmers Gain Access to Land

ST. PAUL — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL),  Zach Nunn (R-IA), and Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced theNew Producer Economic Security Act, a bipartisan bill to help bring the next generation into family farming. The bill addresses the issue of Minnesota’s aging farmer and rancher population by giving new farmers and ranchers the tools they need to succeed through grants, financial aid, and training. It ensures that the support goes where it is needed most.
“The average age of a producer in the United States is 58, and in Minnesota it’s 57. To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to invest in the next generation of farmers,”said Senator Smith.“This is a matter of national security, food security, and the strength and vitality of rural America. This legislation would help remove barriers for new and beginning farmers as they try to start up their businesses.”
The bill establishes a pilot program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to increase access to land, capital, and markets for new and beginning farmers in Minnesota. The program would help secure the domestic food system and strengthen Minnesota’s farm workforce by giving the next generation of farmers the tools they need to succeed. The bill is a meaningful opportunity to create lasting policy solutions to the out-of-reach opportunities for new and beginning family farms, ultimately jeopardizing our country’s future.
“As a young, beginning farmer, I know all too well that the next generation of producers face significant barriers in accessing the land, capital, and markets we need to start, grow, and sustain our farms,”said Taylor Olson, owner and operator of Wild Oats Farm in Taylor Falls, MN.“TheNew Producer Economic Security Acttackles these challenges head-on by supporting locally-led projects that will make a real difference for young farmers like me in Minnesota and across the country.”
Senator Smith has previously prioritized expanding opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers by introducing theIncreasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act, the reauthorization of USDA grants programs targeted at new farmers, and Farm Bill negotiations. The bipartisanNew Producer Economic Security Actcontinues the Senator’s commitment to uplifting rural communities and keeping Minnesotans safe and healthy.
This bill would:
Full text of the bill can be foundHERE.