Rep. Jasmine Crockett Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Open Doors for the Next Generation of Farmers
Washington, D.C — Representatives Jasmine Crockett (TX‑30) and Zach Nunn (IA‑03) introduced the bipartisan Next Generation of Farmers Act to cut through the outdated red tape at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and give new farmers a fair shot at land ownership.
For decades, federal rules have required beginning farmers to demonstrate three years of farm management experience before qualifying for direct farm ownership loans. This requirement excludes countless first-generation farmers, young producers, and families without inherited land. The Next Generation of Farmers Act modernized the system to make it easier for new farmers to get started.
“Land is power, and for too long, too many people ready to farm have been told to wait their turn while opportunities pass them by,” said Rep. Crockett. “I’m not here for outdated rules that keep the next generation of farmers on the sidelines. This bill is about breaking down those barriers so folks who are ready to put in the work can own the land, build wealth, and keep our communities fed.”
Rep. Nunn added, “In Iowa, farming is more than a livelihood, it’s a way of life. Starting out shouldn’t mean three years of red tape before you can even buy the land. By cutting the experience requirement to one year, this bill will help more Iowans purchase land, build equity, and keep family farming going strong for the next generation.”
Direct Farm Ownership loans, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, finance the purchase, development, or expansion of farm operations. Yet too many beginning farmers face hurdles navigating the application process or meeting restrictive eligibility requirements—even when they are otherwise qualified and prepared to succeed.
The Next Generation of Farmers Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step to keep American agriculture strong by ensuring new farmers have a fair path to ownership and the chance to build long-term stability. Specifically, the bill:
Cuts the management experience requirement from three years to one year.
Credits equivalent education or relevant training toward eligibility.
Allows eligibility after six months when USDA determines flexibility is warranted.
Bill text is available here.