California FarmLink - Farmer Advocacy

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Farmer Advocacy

Help Secure Funding for Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

The 2008 Farm Bill opened the door for a new program to support beginning farmers and ranchers as they pursue their goals and dreams. In response to grassroots support for the 2008 Farm Bill, Congress authorized a new federal matched savings programs to help beginning farmers build a nest egg of as much as $10,000 to use for purchasing tractors and other equipment or to make a down payment on land. However, Congress did not provide any funding for the program!

Local Partnerships

California FarmLink regularly collaborates with local and regional groups such as the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to enhance farmland protections and make farmland accessible to farmers.

Historical Gains In Beginning Farmers and Ranchers in 2008 Farm Bill

California FarmLink joined advocates around the nation in applauding gains for beginning farmer entrepreneurs in the 2008 Farm Bill. The Bill invests in loans, training, technical assistance, and other resources designed to help beginning farmers succeed. This is the first ever comprehensive effort to support beginning farmers who are committed to agricultural entrepreneurship.

Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Sam Ferr co-authored the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act, which contained the original legislative languae that became law as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.