USDA Unveils New Website for Beginning Farmers, Rangers

New and beginning farmers are the future of American agriculture - according to U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. The average age of an American farmer is 58 and rising - which is why Harden says it’s important to help new farmers get started if America is going to continue feeding the world and maintain a strong ag economy. As part of this effort - Harden announced implementation of new farm bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers Monday - along with a new website to serve as a one-stop shop for beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA dot gov slash new farmers (www.usda.gov/newfarmers) provides new farmers and ranchers with in-depth information on how to increase access to land and capital, build new market opportunities, participate in conservation opportunities, select and use the right risk management tools and access USDA education and technical support programs - all of which are top priorities for new farmers and ranchers. As for new policy measures - Harden has announced service fees for new and beginning farmers or ranchers to enroll in the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program have been waived for the 2014 crop year. Also - payment reductions under the Conservation Reserve Program have been eliminated. Payment rates under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program have been increased as well. USDA will soon announce additional crop insurance program changes for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Source:  NAFB News