Get Your Share, USDA Will Spend Billions To Encourage New Farms – AG Matters

The USDA will spend 5.6 billion dollars over the next two years to encourage more people to get involved in agriculture.  The money will be used in a variety of ways to encourage new farm start ups, expand current operations, increase conservation programs and get more college graduates involved in the career field.

After many farmers reported they weren't aware of USDA programs designed to help their operation,  a new web based tool was developed.  Answer 4 questions and it will direct you to available programs for financial assistance, tips on what crops to grow and where to grow them.

In addition to bringing new farmers into the marketplace, the goal of the program is to attract more college graduates too.  Agriculture related careers are expected to have some of the highest job openings with the fewest candidates over the next 5 years.

Nearly 60,000 high-skilled agriculture job openings are expected annually in the United States for the next five years, yet only 35,000 graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture related fields are expected to be available to fill them.

In addition to attracting young farmers, the USDA hopes to attract veterans and more women into the field.  More details on the New Farmers program are available at the USDA's website.

SOURCE: USDA