USDA Getting Feedback on Land Tenure and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Farm transition and access to capital, support and water were among the topics at recent USDA forum that looked at the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers.

FSA Administrator Val Dolcini said there is universal support for finding better ways to pass down farms and get new blood into the business.

“It’s one, frankly, that speaks really to the future viability of American agriculture. We want to make sure that the next generation of those folks that grow our food, fuel and fiber are well supported by USDA policies.”

The USDA is getting feedback on a wide variety of topics before a new administration comes into office in January and a new farm bill is negotiated.

Dolcini said they are working on some projects and avenues for new farmers including working with absentee landowners who aren’t using potential farm land and offering credit options for new producers.

“They are universal themes really for new and beginning farmers around the nation who have the passion to be a farmer or rancher but don’t always have the capital or the land or access to labor or water or various other things to make their dreams a reality.”