By Jamie Martin
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act, aiming to remove one of the biggest barriers for new farmers—access to affordable capital.
Rising input costs and lower crop prices in 2025 have made it increasingly difficult for first-time producers to launch or expand operations.
Sponsored by Congresswomen Alma S. Adams (NC-12) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) leading the effort in the Senate, the legislation directs the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to develop a multi-year loan pilot program tailored to beginning farmers and ranchers.
This program would offer long-term loans, flexible financing terms, and technical assistance to strengthen new farm businesses during their critical early years.
“The future of our agriculture industry depends on the next generation of farmers and ranchers, but high costs and shrinking profit margins make it difficult for them to enter the field,” said Congresswoman Adams.
She emphasized that the bill provides a lifeline for small, mid-sized, and family farms that form the backbone of American agriculture.
Representative Strickland highlighted that new farmers often face steep startup expenses with limited access to traditional financing. “This bill gives farmers immediate access to capital as they begin their farming operations,” she said.
Senator Welch noted that many beginning farmers—especially first-generation farmers and farmers of color—encounter significant financial challenges. “Our bicameral bill will make it easier for beginning farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, Washington, and across the country to start and maintain farming operations,” he said.
If enacted, the legislation would expand federal support for aspiring producers and help secure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s food system by empowering the next generation to build thriving farm businesses.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: National