Tuberville, Husted Move to Help Alabama’s Family Farms

Ninety-five percent of Alabama's farms are family-owned and operated

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) in introducing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Loan Modernization Act. This bill would remove outdated eligibility barriers that prevent modern family farms from accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan programs.

"Family farms are the backbone of America's agriculture industry, and Alabama's family farms play a huge part in our national food security," said Sen. Tuberville. "The system is outdated and does nothing to serve these hardworking farmers. This bill goes to great lengths to update the loan programs that currently hold these farms back. Supporting those who put food on our tables is the least we can do here in Congress - I hope my colleagues join Sen. Husted and I in empowering family farms across the country."

"Ninety-five percent of farms in Ohio are family-owned and operated, and they shouldn't be penalized by outdated rules for securing their families' and their farms' future. This bill would modernize USDA loan rules so they reflect how family farms operate today and ensure they can continue to grow and pass their legacy on to the next generation," said Husted.

There are over 37,000 farms in Alabama, and 95% of them are family-owned and operated or partnerships.

Current FSA loan rules require one person to hold a majority stake and personally run the farm, which can disqualify well-run farms simply because of how they're structured. The USDA Loan Modernization Act would update loan eligibility standards to better reflect the structure of today's multi-generational, family-owned farms, expanding access to guaranteed and direct operating, emergency, and real estate loans for producers across the country.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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