Source: USDA news release
Omaha, NE, – After nearly 100 days of traveling the nation and visiting directly with hundreds of farmers across America, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today released the first set of policy proposals under her newly launched Make Agriculture Great Again Initiative.
These initial proposals (PDF, 7.2 MB) are a comprehensive set of policy solutions aimed at improving the viability and longevity of smaller-scale family farms for generations to come. About 86 percent of all farms in the United States are small family farms. To ensure small family farmers can start and stay in business, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has outlined a toolkit of actions, including the streamlining of application processes, improving reliable access to credit, farmland, and markets, and appropriate business planning tools.
The Small Family Farms Policy Agenda provides actionable solutions to a variety of challenges faced by small family farmers:
*Ensure Simple Streamlined and Transparent Tools and Applications;
*Ensure Reliable Access to Credit;
*Ensure Working Farmland is Used to Farm;
*Ensure Small Farms Can Be Passed On to the Next Generation for Generations to Come;
*Hyperfocus USDA Programs for Farmers on Farmers;
*Labor Reform;
*Enhance Access to Risk Management and Business Planning Tools;
*Ensure Definitions of Farm Size Reflect Modern Day Realities;
*Enhance Farmer Access to Educational Resources;
Other Small Farm Resources Available.
This policy rollout builds on the Farmers First Roundtable event recently held at the USDA Headquarters in Washington D.C., where the Secretary met with and heard from more than 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states who run smaller-scale, family-owned operations, as well as Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) about challenges facing smaller-scale family farms across America.
“America’s family farms help feed, fuel, and clothe the world, but they also face some of the greatest challenges in getting their farms started and keeping them running. Putting Farmers First means addressing the issues farmers face head-on and fostering an economic environment that doesn’t put up roadblocks on business creation but removes them,” said Secretary Rollins.
“Today’s policy agenda is tailored specifically to support small-scale farms to thrive for generations to come. President Trump knows America’s economic prosperity depends on the success of our farmers and ranchers. That is why we are working to ensure those who want to start and keep their own farms for generations to come are able to.”
Agricultural State Leaders Voice Support from Across the Nation
“Our family-owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. Generations of producers have passed down the love of farming, strongly-rooted values, and common-sense stewardship of our land and water to the next generation. I’m glad that Secretary Rollins and the USDA are highlighting the value and importance of family owned and small operations as part of our efforts to put Farmers First. I look forward to this tremendous initiative, and I am thrilled that she chose to launch it from a family farm right here in Nebraska,” said Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska.
“In Iowa, where 96% of our farms are family owned and operated, agriculture isn’t just an industry, it’s a way of life passed down through generations. I am grateful for the Trump Administration’s recognition of the unique challenges this industry faces. I am excited about today’s rollout of a comprehensive plan to better align USDA programs to support small and family farms across the U.S., with a keen focus on the vitality of the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Thank you to Secretary Rollins for your unwavering efforts and support of our nation’s great farmers and ranchers,” said Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa.
“Small family farms are the foundation of American agriculture and so many communities across Indiana and our country. Secretary Rollins’ new Farmers First policy agenda will put family farmers’ needs first and complement what we’re doing at the state level in Indiana to help small Hoosier farms thrive and continue feeding America into the next generation,” said Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana.
“As a first-generation cattleman, I know first-hand the challenges facing the agriculture industry,” said Mike Kehoe, Governor of Missouri. “It is vital that small business owners have access to reliable credit and risk management tools to protect our farms for the next generation. I commend Secretary Rollins for incorporating policies based on sound science to ensure a strong agriculture community for today and in the future.”
“In South Dakota, agriculture isn’t just our number one industry — it’s a way of life,” said Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota. “I am grateful for Secretary Rollins’s unwavering support for our small family farms and ranches. They are the backbone of our thriving ag industry, and this policy agenda will help them feed our nation for generations to come.”
“Family farms are the backbone of American agriculture, and Idaho fully supports Secretary Rollins’ solution-driven actions to strengthen and support family farmers across our great nation. Idaho stands with Secretary Rollins as she works to implement her Make Agriculture Great Again initiative,” said Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
“Family farms are the heart of Iowa’s rural communities and are the backbone of our state’s economy. I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their unwavering commitment to supporting our family farmers and prioritizing agricultural issues through initiatives like the Farmers First Policy Initiative,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “The Administration’s leadership in crafting policies that streamline processes, improve access to credit and markets, and support small family farms is a vital step to supporting transitions to the next generation and securing a prosperous future for American agriculture.”
“Secretary Brooke Rollins’ bold leadership at USDA is paving the way to a brighter future for American farmers and ranchers. The Trump administration is working to ensure our small family farms remain productive, our food supply remains safe and our rural communities not only survive but thrive. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Rollins and her team as we prioritize the needs and success of American agriculture producers,” said Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture.
“I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Secretary Brooke Rollins, President Trump, and the USDA in their relentless fight for small family farms, putting farmers first. Their bold leadership is cutting red tape, securing fair trade, and delivering real support to our rural communities, ensuring our farmers can thrive for generations to come,” said Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture.
“I’m proud to stand with Secretary Rollins, President Trump, and leaders across America who are putting our farmers–and the American people–first. Small farms and ranches are the backbone of our food supply, sustaining rural communities and reinforcing domestic self-reliance. Utah provided feedback on this plan with USDA, especially regarding cutting burdensome regulations and investing in local processing and logistics. Together, we can open new markets and ensure family operations not only survive–but thrive,” said Speaker Mike Schultz, Utah House of Representatives.
“Agriculture is an important piece of our national security but unfortunately we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of farms, especially small family farms, throughout the country over the last few years. Arkansas is thankful to have Secretary Rollins and President Trump placing the focus where it needs to be and putting Farmers First. We appreciated the opportunity to join Secretary Rollins recently to provide input on today’s announcement,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture.
“Food security is national security,” Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said “Tennessee appreciates Secretary Rollins and President Trump for putting American farmers first. At a time when farmers and ranchers face significant challenges and opportunities, this approach is needed. The small farmer round table discussion hosted by Secretary Rollins provided valuable feedback. We look forward to working with USDA in addressing the issues raised to support Tennessee’s largest and most important industry, agriculture.”
