Bill > HR7562

This bill, titled the "Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2026," proposes to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to create a new Office of Small Farms within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This office will be responsible for improving support for "small farm, ranch, or forest operations," which are defined as operations less than 180 acres or meeting other acreage definitions determined by the Secretary, and with annual gross cash farm income below $350,000. The Office will be led by a Director appointed by the Secretary and will coordinate efforts across USDA agencies to review programs, identify barriers for small operations, and recommend new initiatives for financing and technical assistance. It will also provide grants of up to $25,000 for various needs, operate a hotline for reporting program access issues, and collaborate with other agencies. The bill also establishes "State small farms coordinators" within each state to coordinate technical assistance and develop state-level plans to better serve these operations, and requires annual reports to Congress on the USDA's efforts and results in enhancing participation by small farms in agricultural programs, with authorized appropriations for the office's administration and for technical assistance and grants.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7562/all-info