McClellan, Landsman Lead Bill to Help Farmers Transfer Land to the Next Generation

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) introduced a bill to help retiring farmers transition their land to the next generation to expand access for new farmers.

Famers are facing a series of challenges maintaining family-owned farms, including rising costs and private equity firms buying up large amounts of land - pricing farmers out of ownership. Today, fewer young farmers are pursuing agriculture careers because of it.

To address this, Reps. McClellan and Landsman introduced the Family Farm Transition Act - legislation that creates a federal pilot program connecting retiring or transitioning farmers with beginning farmers looking for land. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain a database of transitioning and new farmers, and to facilitate the transfer of businesses and properties.

The Rural Voices Conservation Coalition and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association have endorsed the Family Farm Transition Act.

"Agriculture remains the number one private industry in Virginia, and over 90% of those farms are family-owned," said Congresswoman McClellan. "Now, our local farmers face new challenges when passing the torch to the next generation, as private equity and financial constraints price them out of keeping and maintaining their own land. That's why I'm joining Congressman Landsman to create a pilot program to encourage mentorship and connect retiring farmers with younger farmers still learning the tricks of the trade. Our local economies deserve action from Congress that keeps families fed and allows our agricultural sector to flourish."

"We have to protect our farmers and keep big corporations out," said Congressman Landsman. "They're already dealing with so many challenges, and it needs to be easier to keep farms local - and not price out those who want to keep the family business in the family."

Read the full bill text here.