These Four Challenges Will Shape the Next Farm Bill – And How the U.S. Eats

For the 20th time since 1933, Congress is writing a multiyear farm bill that will shape what kind of food U.S. farmers grow, how they raise it and how it gets to consumers. These measures are large, complex and expensive: The next farm bill is projected to cost taxpayers US$1.5 trillion over 10 years. Modern farm bills address many things besides food, from rural broadband access to biofuels and even help for small towns to buy police cars. These measures bring out a dizzying range of interest groups with diverse agendas.

USDA Announces $45 Million Funding Opportunity to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers, Ranchers,

USDA announced approximately $45 million available to organizations that help underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. For more than 30 years, and in partnership with organizations nationwide, the 2501 Program has helped reach underserved farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program to include assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers. The 2018 Farm Bill increased mandatory funding for the program through fiscal year 2023 with a permanent funding level of $25 million for each year thereafter. With 2501 Program funding, organizations conduct education, training, farming demonstrations, and conferences on farming and agribusiness to increase access to USDA’s programs and services. 

USDA Announces Finalists for Twelve New USDA Regional Food Business Centers and $420 Million in Fund

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the creation of 12 new USDA Regional Food Business Centers that will provide national coverage coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources, thereby closing the gaps to success. In addition, USDA also announced a $420 million Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to fund innovative projects designed invest in processing and distribution capacity to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will partner with state and territories’ departments of agriculture for this program.

USDA is working to build a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chai

In July 2021, USDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public input into its strategy to improve meat and poultry processing infrastructure and will hold targeted stakeholder meetings and other public engagement to better understand the needs, gaps, and barriers to fair and competitive meat processing markets.

USDA received nearly 450 comments in response to the Request for Information.

This funding will be delivered through a variety of programs. Some are already underway and others will be developed soon.

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO HELP YOUNG FARMERS WITH STUDENT LOANS

Legislation introduced in the US House aims to ease the financial burden on young farmers. The Young Farmer Success Act would help young farmers manage student loan debt by making them eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Young Michigan growers want to farm – but they can’t afford land

Over 40% of America’s 895 million acres of agricultural land is expected to change hands over the next two decades as older farmers retire, according to the American Farmland Trust. But steep costs create a barrier for the next generation to take the baton and keep a trillion-dollar industry running.

MiFarmLink: Cultivating connections to the next generation of farmers

Older farmers are leaving the industry faster than young farmers are coming in — at a rate of 4 to 1 — and while some older farmers have heirs, many do not. MiFarmLink.org, a new web-based program, is moving across the state to help shepherd land to the next generation of farmers.

Soil testing returns for MSU

Yes, Michigan State University (MSU) once again accepts soil test samples from Michiganders, partnering with Fort Wayne-based A&L Great Lakes Laboratories Inc. to test soils and make recommendations within 10 days.

MiFarmLink Cultivates New Connections Across State

Program moves across state to continue preserving Michigan farms and farming communities

Michigan Land Linking Site Goes Statewide

A new online platform will help better connect farmland to beginning farmers in Michigan.

“Our biggest hurdle is making sure we do have properties listed on the site.”

MiFarmLink Coordinator Sam Stokes tells Brownfield smaller parcels can be just as attractive to beginning farmers who might not have the capital for a large investment.

“Most beginning farmers don’t need or want 100 acres, so many people who are getting into farming right now are wanting to do market vegetables, regenerative agriculture,” she shares.

Stokes says the goal of MiFarmLink is to make sure farmland stays in agriculture and additional resources are meant to support a vibrant ag community.

“There are resources on how to write grants, there are resources to learn how to write a business plan or do value-added products,” she explains.

Stokes says some of the current listings are turnkey businesses or from farmers wanting to serve as mentors to new owners through a transition processes.

The MiFarmLink project previously supported land-linking efforts in northern and west Michigan and is now housed within the Washtenaw County Conservation District with support from private foundations to connect farmers statewide.