Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Young Farmers
BELLEFONTE, Pa. – This week, United States Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) introduced the Young Farmer Success Act. This bipartisan legislation would help America’s young farmers and ranchers manage their student loan debt by making them eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, preserving America’s agriculture economy and easing financial concerns for young farmers.
"In recent years, the average age of the American farmer has steadily increased, making it imperative to support the next generation in order to secure our food supply. The Young Farmers Success Act will offer incentives to young people entering the agricultural workforce, and invests in our future and national security,” Rep. Thompson said.
“Now more than ever, we need to support the next generation of farmers. The number of small farms nationwide is declining, the average age of American farmers is rising, and the agriculture industry is being hit hard by high costs,” Rep.Courtney said. “For young farmers entering the profession, student loan debt can hold them back from being able to make needed investments in farming equipment. Farmers keep us fed and take care of our land. That’s true public service that should be recognized with eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Thank you to Congressman Thompson for again partnering with me in this effort to support young farmers and to the strong grassroots advocates, including eastern Connecticut’s Susan Mitchell of Cloverleigh Farm in Columbia, who have been a driving force behind the Young Farmer Success Act.”
"Investing in the next generation of farmers is essential to sustaining the future of our food security. Only 9% of U.S. farmers are under the age of 35. By giving young farmers access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Young Farmer Success Act, we can provide more young men and women with the opportunity to pursue farming," Rep. De La Cruz said.
"Agriculture is the No. 1 economic engine in Illinois, but we need to make sure the next generation is set up for success," Rep. Budzinski said. "Too many young people who want to farm or work in agriculture are held back by the cost of student loans. That's why this legislation is a commonsense way to help more young people build careers in agriculture, strengthen family farms, and keep our rural communities strong. I'm proud to co-lead this bill and ensure we are investing in the people who will grow our food and keep this industry moving forward."
"As a first-generation farmer, I can relate to the struggles our prospective young farmers and ranchers face when looking to pursue a career in agriculture,” said Tommy Nagle, President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “The USDA's Agriculture Census showed a nationwide average age of 58 years old for producers, with the average age in Pennsylvania being a little bit higher than the national average. Agriculture is the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy, so it is crucial that we support legislation that promotes reducing barriers for younger generations in the industry. We recognize one of the most prominent financial burdens for young farmers and ranchers is their outstanding student loans because the agriculture industry's salaries are not the highest paying, yet their jobs are critical for food and national security. Having a robust agricultural workforce for years to come is imperative because American families depend on our producers to supply their food, fiber, and fuel. For these reasons, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is proud to support the Young Farmer Success Act."
“We applaud Chairman "GT" Thompson and Representative Joe Courtney for leading this bipartisan effort to support the next generation of farmers,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. “The Young Farmer Success Act is a commonsense investment in rural America that will help young producers manage the financial challenges of starting and growing a farm. By expanding access to student loan repayment assistance, this legislation strengthens the future of agriculture and helps ensure dedicated farmers can continue producing nutritious food for families here at home and around the world.”
“Young farmers across the country are passionately growing food for their communities and working the land. At the same time, they are struggling to find secure access to land, persisting through increasingly severe climate change impacts, and balancing rising farm input costs, inflation, market disruptions, and student loan debt,” said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Policy Campaigns Director of National Young Farmers Coalition. “For many farmers getting started, their student loan debt burden is keeping them from realizing their farming ambitions. National Young Farmers Coalition supports efforts to secure a long overdue update to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that would extend the program's benefits to the next generation of farmers and reduce their financial burden to stay and enter the agriculture workforce."
"The next generation of American family agriculture needs more support now than ever before. As the average age of the family farmer continues to rise, it is crucial that we remove as many barriers as possible to incentivize young producers to stay in the field. We commend Chairman Thompson and Representatives Budzinski, Courtney, and De La Cruz for introducing this bill to provide a pathway of support for the next generation of farmers and ranchers," said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union.
Read the full bill text here.