§6934a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordination

Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture must create a National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator. That person must advise the Secretary and link up USDA programs and policies that help beginning farmers and ranchers. The Coordinator decides whether to approve state plans (after talking with State food and agriculture councils). The Coordinator can also run outreach, help new farmers connect with owners who plan to stop farming within 5 years, work with other agencies, and hire colleges, extension services, or nonprofits to do research, make teaching materials, run trainings, or set up mentoring. The Coordinator must publish a report at least once each year about these efforts. The National Coordinator picks one State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator in each State from certain USDA state or regional offices. State coordinators must know beginning farmer issues and be able to work with other Federal agencies. The Secretary must train them on USDA programs for all types and sizes of farms. State coordinators must help beginning farmers use USDA programs, write and submit a State plan for approval, carry out approved plans, make sure outreach staff share information at events, and team up with other groups and agencies. Key terms: “Beginning farmer or rancher” is defined elsewhere; “National Coordinator” is the new USDA position; “State coordinator” is the state designee; “State office” means certain USDA state or regional offices (FSA, NRCS, Rural Business‑Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service, or regional Risk Management Agency).