Bill > S1237

This bill establishes the New Producer Economic Security Program within the Farm Service Agency to support new and economically disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and forest owners. The program will provide grants, cooperative agreements, and capital support to eligible entities such as state and local governments, Native organizations, financial institutions, and nonprofits to help qualified beneficiaries access land, capital, and markets. Qualified beneficiaries are individuals who are new farmers (operating a farm for 10 years or less), operate on rented land, have low income, or are economically disadvantaged. The program aims to strengthen food systems security by supporting farm establishment, preventing land loss, and providing technical assistance. Eligible entities can use funds for activities like land acquisition, mortgage assistance, infrastructure improvements, succession planning, and providing translation and business development services. A stakeholder committee will help evaluate and select project applications, with priority given to projects that provide direct financial assistance, involve collaborative networks, support land transition, and promote conservation practices. The bill authorizes necessary funding appropriations and establishes a 5-year timeline for fund obligation, with flexibility for long-term land access projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1237/all-info