The Farm Bill Expired – What You Need to Know

What does this mean for young farmers? It means that as of today, these programs, among others, will no longer be funded: 

• Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
• Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501)
• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)
• Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) 
• Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP)
• Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives (FINI) Program
• National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (NOCCSP)
• Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
• Conservation Reserve Program- Transition Incentives Program (CRP-TIP) 

It also means that long-term conservation programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), programs that protect farmland for future generations and help farmers adapt to climate change, will be on hold until Congress can do its job and pass a new bill. 

What can you do? First, take action immediately to tell your elected officials how unacceptable this is. Second, it’s an election year. Every Representative and 1/3 of the Senate is on the ballot in five weeks. This month, as they hold campaign rallies and events in your town, show up! Tell them young farmers need a permanent farm bill.