Financial Support for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: New Development Loans
This act establishes a new pilot program to help beginning farmers and ranchers access capital for long-term investments. This will enable them to better develop their farms, potentially increasing the diversity and stability of local food markets. Citizens may benefit from greater availability of local agricultural products.
Key points
Beginning farmers and ranchers can apply for loans or loan guarantees up to $100,000 for development expenditures, such as equipment acquisition, soil development, or brand building.
Loans offer flexible repayment terms (3 to 10 years) and low interest rates (0% to 3%), reducing the financial burden during the initial stages of operation.
The program includes mandatory training in farm management, bookkeeping, and regulatory compliance, aiming to improve the success rate of new agricultural businesses.
Reduced collateral requirements may make financing more accessible for individuals with less initial capital.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5367
Sponsor: Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]
Process start date: 2025-09-15