HARVEST Act

119th Congress Introduced by Joyce Beatty and 3 co-sponsors

The HARVEST Act funds a study to boost 1890 Institutions' education and technical help for transferring heirs property and agricultural land to the next generation.

Introduced in House

HARVEST Act (HR 8502) – Summary

Purpose and intent

The HARVEST Act aims to support heirs' property owners by increasing access to education and technical assistance related to transferring agricultural land and assets to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Specifically, the act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on ways to expand opportunities for 1890 Institutions to provide educational programs and technical assistance on heirs property transfer.

Key provisions

Study and reporting requirement

Timing: The Secretary of Agriculture must complete the study and submit a report to Congress no later than September 30, 2026.
Focus: Assess and identify methods to boost opportunities for 1890 Institutions to conduct educational programs and offer technical assistance about transferring agricultural land and assets, with emphasis on heirs property and intergenerational transfer.

Definition of heirs property (for purposes of the study)

Heirs property refers to real property held as tenancy in common that, at the time a partition action is filed, meets all of the following criteria:
1. There is no recorded agreement binding all co-tenants regarding the partition of the property.
2. One or more co-tenants acquired title from a relative (living or deceased).
3. At least two of the following apply:
4. 20% or more of the interests are held by relatives among the co-tenants.
5. 20% or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired title from a relative.
6. 20% or more of the co-tenants are relatives.

Who is affected

Agricultural landowners who hold property as heirs property (tenancy in common with familial ownership characteristics) could be impacted by increased access to education and technical assistance through 1890 Institutions.

1890 Institutions (a network of historically Black land-grant colleges and universities and related extension programs) would gain expanded opportunities to provide programs and assistance on land transfer and heirs property issues.

The broader agricultural community, including aspiring next-generation farmers and ranchers, may benefit indirectly through improved knowledge and resources for intergenerational transfers.

Procedural and timeline details

The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture on April 27, 2026.

It includes a clear deadline: a comprehensive report to Congress by September 30, 2026.

It establishes a definitional framework for heirs property to guide the study’s scope and analysis.

Potential impact and considerations

By formalizing a study and emphasizing 1890 Institutions, the HARVEST Act could help reduce barriers to transferring heirs property across generations, which has historically affected stability and viability of family farms.

The focus on education and technical assistance suggests potential outcomes such as:

Increased awareness of partition options, land tenure reforms, and land transfer strategies.
Improved access to legal, financial, and educational resources for heirs property owners.
Better planning for succession, estate planning, and farm viability.

Summary

The HARVEST Act seeks to empower heirs property communities by funding and guiding a study into expanding educational and technical assistance via 1890 Institutions on intergenerational transfer of agricultural land and assets. It defines heirs property for the study’s scope and establishes a decisive reporting deadline to Congress.