Right to Farm Act can preempt local regulation authority, but not all local regulations

Many statutes and laws result in limiting local government’s ability to adopt and enforce regulations. Most are straightforward, but the Right to Farm Act preemption is confusing, changing and only preempts local regulation of certain things.

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR RURAL FARMERS AND COOPERATIVES

On March 17, 2023, USDA Rural Development announced the availability of at least $31 million in total funding for Value-Added Producer (VAPG) projects and $3 million for Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG). The application window to apply is now open. 

Network aims to help transfer farmland, expand conservation practices

The Great Lakes Farm Navigator Network looks to support farm families in four states by helping farmland owners transfer their land across generations and connecting landowners with new farmers looking for land, while expanding conservation practices.

Tractor Supply donates $850K to American Farmland Trust

One of the largest rural lifestyle U.S. retailers, Tractor Supply’s donation will support AFT’s Brighter Future Fund, providing 85 grants of $10,000 each to help farmers improve farm viability; access, transfer or permanently protect farmland; and adopt regenerative agricultural practices

MSU Extension partnership receives USDA funding to expand urban Orcharding in Detroit

Funding will support a collaborative partnership leading the charge to expand fruit and nut production for urban farmers and backyard growers in Detroit.

Mentors matter for new farmers

In its first year, the Michigan Sustainable Farm Mentors program connected 42 beginning and aspiring farmers with experienced farmers and survey results show that these kinds of relationships change young farmers' trajectories.

Lawmakers aim to block ‘foreign adversaries’ from farmland purchases

A bipartisan group of lawmakers are proposing a bill to block “foreign adversaries” from taking ownership of any U.S. farmland or ag businesses.

Introduced in the House and Senate last week, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act calls for:

Bayer Fund partners with farmers to offer grants to ag programs, schools and nonprofits

Bayer Fund's America's Farmers Grow Communities program is once again teaming up with farmers across the country to find and fund the organizations and institutions that keep their communities thriving. Eligible farmers can enroll for the chance to direct a $5,000 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization, school or youth agriculture program. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 1.

Breaking barriers for beginning farmers

When it comes to agriculture, the ever-changing market is a fierce-enough industry to compete in, let alone if you are a beginning farmer just starting out. Entering the industry looks different for each producer, but there are several industry-wide challenges that are common obstacles for beginning farmers.

The Senate is nearing a deal on immigration that could also lower food prices

Senate Republicans and Democrats are inching closer to a deal on an immigration bill that farmers say if passed could help reduce food prices in part by helping them hire more workers. This measure, known as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, is focused mainly on updating the food production workforce, a system some call outdated and that has led to higher food prices especially for dairy, meat and vegetables.