By Andi Anderson
A new legislative effort is focused on helping beginning, veteran, and underserved farmers gain greater access to resources that can support long-term success in agriculture. The proposed measure aims to strengthen training programs, improve outreach efforts, and provide technical assistance to producers who often face barriers when entering or expanding within the agricultural industry.
The legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, alongside Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. The bill, known as the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Grant Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 10914), would reauthorize and strengthen the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach (FOTO) Program from 2027 through 2031.
Agriculture remains a major economic driver in many states, supporting jobs, businesses, and rural communities. However, many family-owned farms continue to face economic pressures from rising costs, changing market conditions, and other operational challenges. Beginning farmers, particularly those from underserved communities, often encounter additional obstacles when trying to establish successful agricultural enterprises.
Highlighting the importance of the legislation, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member House Committee on Agriculture, said, “Agriculture offers an array of rewarding careers and opportunities for people from every background, but we must do more to make sure everyone who wants to get into the industry has a fair shot. That’s why I’m proud to join Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan on the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Grant Program Reauthorization Act. This important legislation reauthorizes and strengthens the FOTO program and helps ensure that the USDA reaches the producers it is intended to serve.”
The proposal would help expand services for Hispanic, American Indian, Black, and Asian farmers by allowing grant funding to support interpretation and translation services as part of outreach and technical assistance activities. The bill would also improve accountability by requiring the collection and reporting of grant recipient data, including demographic information, to evaluate program effectiveness.
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan emphasized the challenges facing family farms, stating, “As the number one private industry in Virginia, agriculture keeps our local economies and communities running. Yet Virginia’s farms, more than 90 percent of which are individual or family-owned, often struggle to turn a profit. Extreme weather, rising costs and unstable markets make the difference between a good year and a bad year. The FOTO Program exists to lend a helping hand to underserved farmers just starting out to navigate these challenges. My bill will extend this invaluable resource to further ensure that our farmers have every tool at their disposal to thrive.”
Supporting the initiative, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas said, “Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of Oregon’s economy, but too many people who want to start a farm have trouble getting the training and resources they need to succeed. In the Willamette Valley, we know how important it is to support the next generation of farmers and ensure that everyone has a fair shot at success. This bill will help new farmers access the training, mentorship, and technical assistance they need, while breaking down language barriers that too often stand in their way. I’m proud to help lead this effort to strengthen our agricultural communities and support the next generation of farmers.”
The legislation has received support from organizations including the National Family Farm Coalition, Rural Coalition, Virginia Coalition of Immigrant Rights, and Virginia State University. If enacted, the measure could help strengthen agricultural opportunities, improve access to education and resources, and support the next generation of farmers across the United States.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: Ohio, Education