USDA’s New Policy Geared to Help Small Family Farms in Iowa and Beyond

The fruits of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins' recent labor has blossomed into a new, actionable policy initiative geared to help small family farms across the Midwest. The policy is part of the newly launched "Make Agriculture Great Again" Initiative under the Trump administration, and has received praise from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

Secretary Rollins traveled around the nation over the last three months, and visited directly with hundreds of farmers across the country to compile the "Farmers First" policy initiative. This is a comprehensive set of solutions that take aim at "improving the viability and longevity of smaller-scale family farms for generations to come," per the USDA's release.

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Per the USDA's release, roughly 86% of all farms in the United States are small, family farms. The newly created policy outlines ten actions in order to preserve those family operations:

• Ensure Simple Streamlined and Transparent Tools and Applications;
• Ensure Reliable Access to Credit;
• Ensure Working Farmland is Used to Farm;
• Ensure Small Farms Can Be Passed On to the Next Generation for Generations to Come;
• Hyperfocus USDA Programs for Farmers on Farmers;
• Labor Reform;
• Enhance Access to Risk Management and Business Planning Tools;
• Ensure Definitions of Farm Size Reflect Modern Day Realities;
• Enhance Farmer Access to Educational Resources;
• Other Small Farm Resources Available.

Secretary Rollins met with more than 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states who run those smaller-scale operations, in addition to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). The policy also builds upon the Farmers First Roundtable event that was held at the USDA Headquarters in Washington D.C:

Today’s policy agenda is tailored specifically to support small-scale farms to thrive for generations to come. President Trump knows America’s economic prosperity depends on the success of our farmers and ranchers. That is why we are working to ensure those who want to start and keep their own farms for generations to come are able to - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, per the USDA's release

Governor Reynolds was one of many who vocalized support of the Farmers First initiative:

In Iowa, where 96% of our farms are family owned and operated, agriculture isn’t just an industry, it’s a way of life passed down through generations. I am grateful for the Trump Administration’s recognition of the unique challenges this industry faces. I am excited about today’s rollout of a comprehensive plan to better align USDA programs to support small and family farms across the U.S., with a keen focus on the vitality of the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Thank you to Secretary Rollins for your unwavering efforts and support of our nation’s great farmers and ranchers - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, per the USDA's release

Read more about the USDA's new Farmers First initiative on the USDA's website.