Bill > HR8533

This bill, titled the "Farmer to Farmer Education Act of 2026," amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to expand farmer-led technical assistance by establishing a "farmer-to-farmer network," defined as any group of farmers sharing information, technical assistance, or mutually beneficial support. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with various eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, farmer-to-farmer networks themselves, Indian Tribes, local governments, educational institutions, and states, to build capacity for these networks. Priority will be given to entities serving historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest owners, or those operating in high-poverty areas. These entities will be responsible for actions such as facilitating farmer access to networks, matching mentors and mentees, coordinating training for network leaders and participants, maintaining lists of supporting organizations, and administering subawards to further expand farmer access to assistance. Importantly, assistance must be provided in the native language of non-English speaking farmers to the greatest extent practicable. The bill also outlines requirements for subawards, which can be used to fund events and activities that build network capacity and connect farmers with learning opportunities, including compensating participants at market rates. Finally, the Secretary is required to report to Congress on the status of funded activities, including funding awarded and conservation practice adoption outcomes.