NASDA and USDA MOU Celebrates Family Farms

The USDA and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture have launched the American Farm Legacy 250 Program, a new national effort recognizing multi-generational farm families that have helped shape American agriculture. The program will honor farms and ranches that have remained in continuous family operation for 250 years while also building on existing state Century Farm and Heritage Farm programs to celebrate agricultural stewardship across generations.

“America’s farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to feed, clothe and fuel their communities and the world,” said NASDA CEO Ted McKinney. “This partnership between USDA and NASDA recognizes families who have stewarded their land across generations while inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. State departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to help tell these stories and ensure this legacy endures.”

“Before there was a United States of America, there were American farm families working this land, answering the call to defend liberty and laying the foundation for the strongest, most abundant nation the world has ever known,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins noted. “As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it is only fitting that we honor the families whose grit, sacrifice and stewardship have fed our nation, strengthened our communities and preserved our agricultural heritage across generations. President Trump has made restoring pride in America’s history a national priority, and the American Farm Legacy 250 Program ensures our farmers and ranchers receive the recognition they have earned as true builders of this great country.”

USDA will oversee the national program, while NASDA will work with state agriculture departments to identify qualifying farms and coordinate recognition efforts. The first farms meeting the 250-year milestone were recognized this week as part of the nation's celebration leading up to America's 250th anniversary.

The MOU runs through the end of this year.