A Beginning Farmer’s Leap into Ag Policy
With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.We’re calling all beginning farmers. The USDA is seeking members for the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. They formally asked for nominations on Monday. First established in 1992, the committee advises the Agriculture Secretary to enhance USDA’s goals for new farming and ranching operations. Bottom line. If you’re interested in getting a foot into the ag policy realm, this is a good place to be.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “USDA is committed to helping the beginning farmer, the young farmer, access and make use of USDA programs.”
USDA is soliciting nominations from interested organizations and individuals from among ranching and farming producers, related state and tribal agricultural entities, academic institutions, commercial banking entities, trade associations, and related nonprofit enterprises. Deadline for submissions is October 10, 2023.
The Agriculture Secretary may appoint up to 20 members to the committee. An organization may nominate individuals from within or outside its membership. Interested candidates may also nominate themselves. Find the nomination requirements and information on the committee website: https://shorturl.at/knpOP