Bill > HR4657

This bill modifies the experience requirements for beginning farmers and ranchers seeking farm ownership loans under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Specifically, the bill reduces the required farming experience from 3 years to 1 year for qualifying individuals. The bill also introduces a waiver provision that allows the Secretary of Agriculture to waive even the 1-year experience requirement under two circumstances: first, if the farmer or rancher has at least 1 year of experience as hired farm labor with substantial management responsibilities, or second, if the farmer or rancher has an established mentorship relationship with an experienced farmer, rancher, or a retired farmer participating in a Service Corps of Retired Executives program or with an approved local farm or ranch organization committed to mentoring. These changes aim to lower barriers to entry for new farmers and ranchers by providing more flexible pathways to accessing farm ownership loans, recognizing that gaining farming experience can be challenging for those entering the agricultural sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4657/all-info