SE Connecticut News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 19, Representatives Joe Courtney (CT-02), Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced the Young Farmer Success Act, a bipartisan bill that will incentivize young people to enter agricultural professions by making them eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The Young Farmer Success Act represents an important effort in preserving America's agricultural economy and creating a pathway to success for young farmers.

“We need to support a new generation of farmers now more than ever. Our number of small farms is on the decline, and the average age of American farmers is rising. There’s no doubt that experience is crucial for any farming business, but when the number of U.S. farmers over 65 outnumbers those under 35 by 6-to-1, that’s a trend we need to reverse,” Rep. Joe Courtney said. “Susan Mitchell of Cloverleigh Farm in Connecticut has been the driving force behind this bill. She knows how student loan debt can hold a beginning farmer back from crucial investments in things like farming equipment, and our bipartisan bill would take some of that weight off their balance sheets during the costly phases of opening a new farming business. The Young Farmer Success Act would give America’s new farming generation a fighting chance to build a life on the farm for themselves and their families.”

"The average age of a farmer in the United States is 57 years-old. We must encourage our youth to enter the agriculture workforce and cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers," Rep. Thompson said. "Without adequate farm and ranch workers, our country will lose the ability to provide safe and affordable food to our citizens and the world. I am proud to introduce the Young Farmer Success Act alongside Rep. Courtney which will offer incentives for individuals who want to work in agriculture, enhancing both our national security and the long-term viability of our nation."

Today’s announcement reaffirms Rep. Courtney’s commitment to incentivizing young Americans to enter agriculture professions.

“Since 2015, I have led the charge in the House to pass the Young Farmer Success Act. It is time to finally advance this bill and send it to the President’s desk,” Courtney added.

The Young Farmer Success Act has drawn support from organizations representing farmers and ranchers nationwide, including the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association (CTFBA), the International Fresh Product Association (IFPA), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and the National Young Farmers Coalition.

“Connecticut Farm Bureau applauds the expansion of the student loan forgiveness program to graduates who are entering careers in agriculture through the Young Farmer Success Act.  Agriculture needs the next generation of successful young farmers who will lead our country in meeting the challenges of food production as farms transition and diversify.  Incentivizing young adults to pursue higher education in agriculture will graduate career professionals who are skilled in innovation, technology and advances in farm business practices to meet the challenges of climate change and a global farming economy,” said Joan Nichols, Executive Director of the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association.

“International Fresh Produce Association, and particularly our member growers, applaud Congressman Joe Courtney and Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson for reintroducing the Young Farmer Success Act. This legislation makes an investment in the future of agriculture, something that our industry and all Americans desperately need. Food security is national security, and as we saw during the pandemic our farmers are front line workers vital to ensuring our food security. With farmers facing increasing financial burdens in the operation of their businesses, this investment in their education will help relieve part of that burden and open the doors to many more to enter the field of agriculture,” said Robert Guenther, Chief Public Policy Officer for International Fresh Produce Association.

“We commend Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) for reintroducing their bipartisan Young Farmer Success Act. This important legislation will give a boost to dedicated young farmers early in their careers as they set out to feed families here at home and around the world,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation.

“Young farmers across the country are passionately growing food for their communities and stewarding our natural resources. 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, household expenses, and student loan debt. For many farmers getting started, their student loan debt burden is keeping them from realizing their farming ambitions. National Young Farmers Coalition supports Representative Courtney and Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson's 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,” said David Howard, Young Farmers Policy Campaigns Co-Director.

The bill is also supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, National Farmers Union, the National Corn Growers Association, Farm Aid, and the National Young Farmers Coalition.

To read a fact sheet on the bill, click here.

To read the bill text, click here.

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Agriculture

Original source can be found here.