House farm bill draft maintains key programs for young farmers, but partisan provisions threaten passage

NYFC praises funding for beginning farmer training, farmland conservation, and land access programs; expresses concern over partisan approach

In response to the House Agriculture Committee’s draft of the farm bill, the National Young Farmers Coalition praised portions of the bill for maintaining programs critical to the success of young farmers, including maintaining beginning farmer training and land access programs, and restoring funding for farmland conservation easements—all top farm bill priorities for NYFC. The Coalition had significant concern, however, that drastic changes to nutrition programs could threaten the bipartisan effort required to pass a farm bill before this year’s September deadline.

“Over the past year, young farmers from across the country have shown up and spoken out to make sure Congress knows what they need from this farm bill,” said Lindsey Lusher Shute, NYFC Executive Director and Co-founder. “Clearly, some parts of that message were heard. This bill would uphold programs that are making a difference. But it’s also the expectation of farmers and the American people that both parties work together to pass a farm bill on time—one that provides a safety net for farmers and consumers. This Committee has got to find a way to get that done.”

As NYFC continues to analyze the draft bill and prepares for House Agriculture Committee action, members of its national grassroots network will continue to advocate for the Young Farmer Agenda.