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HR 8446

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to connect individuals seeking to transition away from farming with individuals seeking to become farmers, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Greg Landsman and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates a federal USDA program to connect exiting farmers with new entrants, facilitating land access, mentorship, and resources for successful transitions.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8446

Legislative Bill Summary: HR 8446 (119th Congress)

Title

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to connect individuals seeking to transition away from farming with individuals seeking to become farmers, and for other purposes.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to create a federal program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to facilitate transitions within the farming sector.
  • Specifically, it aims to bridge individuals who are seeking to exit farming with those who want to start or expand farming operations.
  • The overarching goal is to support workforce and land-use transitions in agriculture, potentially enabling smoother succession, retrofitting of agricultural land, and community-level farm redevelopment.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • Program Establishment: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program that pairs or connects:
    • Individuals who wish to transition away from farming (e.g., retirement, career change, relinquishing farm operations)
    • Individuals seeking to become farmers (e.g., new entrants, growers looking to acquire land or operations)
  • Administration and Eligibility: Sets criteria for participation (to be specified by the implementing regulations) and outlines administrative responsibilities for USDA in administering the program.
  • Matching and Facilitation: Requires mechanisms to facilitate introductions and matches between exiting farmers and new entrants, potentially including counseling, mentorship, and support services.
  • Support Services: Could include technical assistance, market information, land access options, financing referrals, and other resources to support successful transitions.
  • Coordination with Existing Programs: May require coordination with other USDA programs or agencies that support rural development, farm succession planning, land transfer, and agricultural entrepreneurship.
  • Funding and Authorization: The bill would authorize or appropriate funding through related statutory authorities to implement the program (exact funding levels and appropriation details would be specified in the enacted text or accordance with annual appropriations).

Note: The summary reflects typical elements of a program-to-connect exiting farmers with new entrants, based on the bill’s title and description. The exact text would specify program design, definitions, reporting requirements, and funding mechanisms.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Exiting Farmers: Individuals seeking to step away from active farming operations, retirement, downsizing, or changing careers, who would be eligible for participation and assistance.
  • New Entrants/Beginning Farmers: Individuals seeking to start farming or expand production who could gain access to land, mentorship, and resources through the matching program.
  • Rural Communities and Farms: Potential benefits from improved land utilization, reduced vacancy, and enhanced farm succession planning.
  • USDA and Related Agencies: Administrative responsibilities for implementing the program, tracking outcomes, and coordinating with other agricultural and rural development programs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral and Consideration: As of the latest action, HR 8446 has been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (April 22, 2026).
  • Committee Process: The bill will undergo committee review, potential hearings, and markup to produce an approved version for floor consideration.
  • Future Steps: If advanced, the bill would need passage by the House, potential reconciliation with the Senate version, and signature by the President to become law. Any funding would depend on annual appropriations or permanent authorities included in the final text.

Practical Impact and Implications

  • Could create a formal, federally supported pathway for farm succession and land access, which may help stabilize farm operations, support rural economies, and reduce barriers for new farmers.
  • The success of the program would depend on detailed implementation rules, funding levels, and the ability to effectively match buyers and sellers or operators within agricultural communities.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (policy makers, farmers, researchers) or add a comparison with similar USDA programs (e.g., land transfer, farm succession, or beginning farmer outreach programs).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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