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Many young farmers operate with limited experience and resources

Most young farmers today are beginning careers in agriculture without much background or experience from growing up on family farms. Sophie Ackoff, National Field Director with the National Younger Farmers Coalition says about 80-percent of younger farmers do not come from farm families.

“They’re not inheriting land and strong networks from their parents. They lack access to credit and capital. They’re often saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, and they’re moving to rural areas and are often facing isolation.” says Ackoff.

Ackoff says that isolation generally comes from using newer land practices not necessarily adopted by neighboring farmers.

She says the coalition has been working with government leaders to encourage young farmers to get into Ag through policy changes such as loan guarantees, acquiring land, or through educational programs.

“At a time when only 6 percent of farmers in the U.S. are under the age of 35, it’s critical that we invest in these young growers who are starting to farm to make sure that they can succeed.” says Ackoff.

Ackoff spoke of the coalitions work at today’s USDA Forum on Rural America at Penn State University.