WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12) in reintroducing the bicameral Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to help new farmers and ranchers address early financial challenges. The legislation directs the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to develop a multi-year loan pilot program to address financing challenges for beginning farmers and ranchers who often face immediate financial hurdles during their first years of operation. 

“Supporting aspiring and beginner farmers is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our food systems and the health and welfare of our communities. Start-up funds are vital to building a business in any industry, and farming is no exception. Yet for many beginning farmers—especially first-generation and farmers of color—financial barriers can make it difficult to break ground on their farm,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral bill will make it easier for beginning farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, Washington, and across the country to start and maintain farming operations.” 

“New farmers starting their businesses often face financial barriers,” said Rep. Strickland. “This bill gives farmers immediate access to capital as they begin their farming operations.” 

“The future of our agriculture industry depends on the next generation of farmers and ranchers, but high costs and shrinking profit margins make it difficult for them to enter the field,” said Rep. Adams. “The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act is a lifeline for our new agriculture producers, ensuring their access to essential programs like long-term loans, flexible financing terms, and technical assistance that strengthen their operations. Our farms, especially small, mid-sized, and family farms, need our support and I’m proud to introduce this bill to give them the resources they need to be successful.” 

The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act is endorsed by the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, ALBA (Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association), California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity, California Climate and Agriculture Network, California Coastal Rural Development Corporation, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Community Alliance with Family Farmers, DSuput Consulting, LLC, Latino Farmers and Ranchers International Inc., National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Young Farmers Coalition, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc., Practical Farmers of Iowa, Rural Coalition, Rural Vermont, Sierra Harvest, and World Farmers.  

“The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act provides necessary support for the next generation of farmers and ranchers, who face high-start up costs and too often struggle to repay loans within their first year of operation. This practical and balanced pilot program would alleviate challenges with limited access to more flexible capital, and open opportunities to invest in key start-up capacities that will benefit their farm for years to come,” said Duncan Orlander, Policy Specialist, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. 

“We’re grateful to Senator Welch, Representative Strickland, and Representative Adams’ steadfast support of beginning farmers. Making a start as a farmer is particularly challenging for first generation farmers, and farmers of color who have been unfairly excluded from access to land and capital,” said Grace Oedel, Executive Director, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. “This bill will expand opportunities for many farmers we serve to secure financing that sets them on a path to profitability.” 

Learn more about the Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025. 

Read and download the full text of the bill. 

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