Land access is the top challenge emerging and beginning farmers face. At the same time, ownership of millions of acres of agricultural land is changing hands as farmers and ranchers across the country retire — presenting an important opportunity to shape the future of our farm and food system.
This is the moment for Congress to take action to ensure that the 2023 federal Farm Bill delivers material benefits for beginning farmers, ranchers, and foresters striving to establish and grow their operations.
The Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities (LASO) Act, championed by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), is a critical piece of legislation that would create equitable transition of farmland to the next generation.
The Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Bill Organizing Committee, made up of farmers and ranchers from the Upper Midwest, have written a letter calling on Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to endorse this legislation.Would you take just two minutes to add your name to the letter?
Take Action!
The USDA’s Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program recently announced its awards, which will support 50 community-led projects across the country. The response to this program, and the diverse mix of projects awarded, illustrate the critical need for policy solutions that facilitate equitable land access, retention, and transition across the U.S. The program provides a model for resourcing solutions that will improve our country’s food security and the vitality of our communities into the future.
Including the LASO Act in the 2023 Farm Bill is essential to ensuring this program continues. It’s critical that Congress takes action to protect the health and vitality of our communities into the future. Congress must act now to build upon this model and deliver significant annual funding through the 2023 Farm Bill.
