Young Farmers come to Washington DC for the Farm Bill скачать в хорошем качестве

Young Farmers come to Washington DC for the Farm Bill

Nov 19 2018 Washington While lawmakers make the final sprint to get the farm bill over the finish line, the national young farmers coalition pushes priorities that support the next generation of American Ag. RFD-TV’s Sarah Mock reports. For many young people, the challenges of starting a farm can seem insurmountable. “A lot of us are first generation farmers so we don’t have family land, we don’t have family skills, we don’t have capital, we have student debt, land is expensive and farming requires capital upfront, so there are all of these economic and social challenges we face.” And in light of continuing challenges in the wide farm economy, young farmers say right now—they need action. “If elected officials is concerned about supporting farmers, farmers and especially young farmers need a farm bill now, and that sure sounds to me like passing something like what the senate has on hand.” Farm bill leaders cite the need for certainty and predictability for farmers around issues like crop insurance and commodity programs, but members of the national young farmers union say their needs are more varied. The beginning and young farmer development program is currently lacking funding and authority as the farm bill languishes, and that’s just one of almost forty orphan programs. “I’ve taken advantage of a lot of USDA programs. NRCS programs I’ve gotten a high tunnel, I’ve gotten irrigation cost share, cover crop, well, fencing cost shares, used specifically to help landowners conserve natural resources, by incentivizing things like keeping livestock out of waterways and things like that. And most importantly I used and FSA purchase loan to buy my land.” 1.5 billion dollars worth of conservation funding is now on hold as USDA lost authority to administer programs, as well as programs that help veterans get into farming. These programs, young farmers say, are a small percentage of total farm bill spending, but ensuring they continue is critical to keeping young people on the land. “There are a number of provisions that are new to the Farm Bill that we really want to make sure are maintained or even expanded. Because those are the tools that the federal government are recognizing support young and beginning farmers that match where the challenges and opportunities are.” Another powerful part of being at the beginning of a career in agriculture, young farmers say, is have a closer connecting with regional food systems and the hunger and nutrition advocates that also have a stake in the farm bill. They say linking food and farming issues is as relevant in the bill as it is on their operations. for RFD-TV, I’m Sarah Mock in Washington. The national young farmer coalition includes farmers from across the industry. They’re interested in protecting interests like direct access for farmers markets, beginning farmer and rancher development programs, including support for socially disadvantaged farmers, including veterans. Farm bill leaders are expected to reach a consensus on the measure as soon as today. Julia Asherman , Rag And Frass Farm Of Jeffersonville,Ga Brian Estes, Linc Malt Procurement And Partnerships Sarah Mock Washington Bureau Chief, RFD-TV @Sarah_K_Mock