Bill Offers Flexible Loans and Support for New Producers
Congresswomen Alma S. Adams of North Carolina and Marilyn Strickland of Washington, along with Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, have introduced the Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act, a bill designed to help new farmers overcome steep start-up costs and falling commodity prices.
The legislation arrives as rising input expenses and declining agricultural prices make 2025 a challenging year for farm profitability.
Beginning farmers often struggle to secure affordable credit in their first years. The bill directs the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to create a multi-year loan pilot program that provides flexible financing terms and long-term repayment options.
This approach aims to give new farmers immediate access to capital and more time to build successful operations.
“The future of our agriculture industry depends on the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act is a lifeline for new producers, ensuring access to long-term loans, flexible financing, and technical assistance that strengthen their operations.”
Representative Strickland added that the legislation gives new farmers “immediate access to capital as they begin their farming operations,” while Senator Welch emphasized that the bill supports first-generation farmers and farmers of color who often face the steepest financial barriers.
Supporters believe the bill will help sustain America’s food system by encouraging young and diverse producers to enter the industry. By expanding credit opportunities and offering technical support, the program seeks to preserve small, mid-sized, and family farms, ensuring the continued vitality of rural communities and national food security.
If enacted, the Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act would provide critical resources for those starting out, creating a more resilient agricultural economy and helping new farmers and ranchers establish long-term success.