Bipartisan Bill Could Improve Land Access for New PA Farmers

Despite a federal funding freeze, a newly proposed bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate could enhance loan programs for farmers.

Backers say in Pennsylvania, it would address a key barrier to farmland ownership and access to capital.

Pennsylvania's $83 billion ag economy includes more than 50,000 farms.

Amanda Koehler - the land policy associate director at the National Young Farmers Coalition - said the legislation would create a U.S. Department of Agriculture pilot program, for pre-approved direct farm ownership loans.

"By allowing a pre-approval program for direct farm ownership loans," said Koehler, "folks will have greater access to credit - and can close a deal quicker, meaning that their access to owning farmland will be greater."

Koehler said right now, it can take six months to process a direct farm ownership loan, even after a purchase agreement has been signed.

She said she believes the program would still be useful, despite federal workforce and staffing challenges at the USDA.

Small farms play a vital role in local economies and food systems.

Jane Kaminski, who co-owns John-Paul's Farm in Indiana County, said hers is an organic farm.

She noted that young or beginning farmers face challenges getting land, and she said she's concerned about the inequities that keep some from starting or expanding their business.

"So I think it's really important that we have policies in place that help young and beginning and small farmers access land," said Kaminski, "so that they can be a part of our agricultural system."