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New Producer Economic Security Act re-introduced

A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says re-introduced bi-partisan legislation would offer a solution to farmland access for beginning farmers.

Illinois Democrat Nikki Budzinski says the New Producer Economic Security Act authorizes a new pilot program through the USDA.

“That’s one of the bigger obstacles we know for folks trying to get into agriculture is how can they acquire lands and compete with developers.”  She says, “This would create a low interest loan program, that we know has been very popular, within the USDA.”

The bill was co-authored by Iowa Republican Zach Nunn, and co-sponsored by numerous legislators, including Rep. Eric Sorensen, of Illinois.  He tells Brownfield, “It means opening up the market assets so that a young first-generation farmer can participate.”  He says, “These things are essential because this helps secure the domestic food system and it strengthens our workforce.”

AUDIO: Rep. Eric Sorensen

Budzinski says it’s an investment in the next generation of agriculture.

“It really is calling attention to the need for us to bring in young farmers into our ag industry.”  She says, “We’ve been talking about this for some time that the average age of a farmer is 58 years old. We’ve got to make sure we’re bringing up that next generation.”

Both lawmakers want to see the legislation included in a new five-year farm bill.

Michelle Hughes, Co-Executive Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, says, “The New Producer Economic Security Act comes at a time when farmers need us the most. The bill comprehensively addresses the greatest barriers young and beginning farmers face while elevating local leadership, securing our domestic food system, and delivering material benefits for new producers.”

AUDIO – Rep. Nikki Budzinski