Despite our displeasure with the passage of a farm bill that lacks real payment limitations and other crucial reforms, there is a clear victory in gaining passage and dedicated funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program in the 2008 farm bill.

It is daunting for aspiring farmers and ranchers to enter agriculture. They need assistance on many different levels to enter successfully. Considering the volume of requests we receive from beginning farmers and ranchers here at the Center for Rural Affairs, that need is quite substantial.

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program will give beginning farmers and ranchers a leg up in starting their operations by supporting community-based organizations with educational and training programs targeted to beginners.

This is a competitive grants program designed to support financial and entrepreneurial training, mentoring programs, linking programs that connect retiring and new farmers, innovative farm transfer and transition practices, and education and outreach activities to assist beginning farmers and ranchers access new farming opportunities.

Our experience has taught us that the most promising prospects for beginners can be found in niche markets composed of consumers willing to pay premium prices for unique products raised in ways they support. This program will support educational opportunities to help beginners develop business and conservation plans that enable them to develop these markets and protect our natural resources through sustainable farming practices.

With the farm bill complete, our attention turns to ensuring this program and others are put into practice correctly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We must also work to ensure we protect funding for this program through the appropriations process. Sometimes members of the appropriations committee like to raid such funds for other priorities.

We will keep you posted, so stay tuned as this work moves forward.

For more, contact Traci Bruckner at tracib@cfra.org or call 402.687.2103 x 1016.