2008 Farm Bill expands help for beginning farmers.
People who want to get into farming have received support from the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State University Extension for the past 15 years. Now, they are getting a boost from the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill. With the leadership of Sen. Tom Harkin from Iowa and Rep. Collin Peterson from Minnesota, many of the beginning farmer provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill programs were expanded in the new farm bill and some new ones were added.
“Government programs play a major role in assisting young people who wish to pursue a farming career. In addition to the 2008 Farm Bill changes, the state of Iowa also has developed programs that have proven to be valuable tools,” said Dave Baker, Beginning Farmer Center farm transition specialist. “The Center monitors existing and new programs that can be a part of farm families succession plans. Several basic programs at the national level will give more opportunities to beginning farmers.”
The changes include loans, grants, guarantees and other programs to aid beginning farmers establish viable operations.
For complete details on the 2008 Farm Bill, contact the local FSA office or visit the following website: www.fsa.usda.gov.
