State agriculture officials expressed the need for farm technical assistance resources to support farmers in business management and farm transitions during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference.
Members passed a policy amendment that specifically supports the creation of state block grant programs that provide technical assistance to farmers. These grants would be applied to agriculture-specific business development services, effective farm transitions, risk management, record keeping and more.
“State agriculture departments are invested in ensuring that farming and ranching families can successfully pass down their businesses to future generations, as well as lifting up new and young farmers entering this field of work,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “Arming individuals with information and business training creates a more resilient farm economy when unavoidable weather and market challenges are presented.”
According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, beginning farmers now make up 30% of all U.S. producers, with over one-million farming for 10 years or less. However, they face significant hurdles, including financial instability, with 72% reporting a primary occupation outside of farming to supplement their income.
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