New Producer Economic Security Act
New Producer Economic Security Act
Plain Language Summary
# New Producer Economic Security Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would create a new federal program to help new and struggling farmers, ranchers, and forest owners get started or stay in business. The Farm Service Agency would distribute grants and financial support through local organizations like state governments, nonprofits, and universities. This money could help eligible farmers buy land, clear up ownership issues on inherited property, and improve their operations. **Who It Affects:** The program targets "new" farmers and ranchers (those with 10 years or less of experience) and economically disadvantaged agricultural operators.
Funding would go through intermediary organizations rather than directly to individual farmers. The bill explicitly prevents foreign-owned corporations from receiving assistance. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. No action has been taken at this stage.
CRS Official Summary
New Producer Economic Security ActThis bill establishes the New Producer Economic Security Program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide funding and grants to help new farmers, ranchers, and forest owners.Specifically, the FSA must make competitive grants to, enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide other capital support to eligible entities (e.g., state or local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education). These entities must provide direct assistance to qualified farmers, ranchers, and forest owners (e.g., those who have not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 consecutive years or are economically disadvantaged). The bill specifically excludes from assistance any foreign-based or foreign-owned corporation.The direct assistance may include payments to qualified beneficiaries to acquire real property (including air rights and water rights), secure clear title on heirs' property, and improve or remediate land, water, and soil. Eligible entities may also use grants (1) to provide direct assistance to qualified beneficiaries in assessing, purchasing, acquiring, or retaining eligible land; (2) for activities designed to support farm establishment and long-term viability; and (3) to provide technical assistance.The FSA must establish a stakeholder committee, and in collaboration with the committee, develop a process for evaluating and selecting applications submitted by eligible entities. The stakeholder committee must include perspectives reflecting the complexity of the rural and urban U.S. agricultural landscapes and the wide variety of agricultural production models.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.