News

More funding for beginning farmer programs

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced additional funding for beginning farmer programs.

Vilsack says the USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program will distribute nearly 18 million dollars for 37 projects across the U.S.

“Programs to help assist young farmers get the business planning and the thought process behind getting started in the farming business—and having a better understanding of the programs that are available,” Vilsack says.

Vilsack made the announcement in a meeting with new and beginning farmers at Iowa State University on Wednesday. He says one of the topics discussed was how to improve access to land for beginning farmers.

“Either through credits or through deferments or some mechanism in which we create opportunities for older landowners to make land accessible,” he says.

One of the largest grants will go to the Iowa-based National Farmers Organization (NFO). NFO will receive nearly 600-thousand dollars to assist 900 beginning organic dairy and grain producers over the next three years.

Link to USDA news release, which lists all of the projects being funded

AUDIO: Secretary Vilsack’s conference call with ag media