If we as a nation want fresh and local produce, we must support the next generation of farmers and ranchers who are stepping up to produce it.
Currently, the average age of the American farmer is fast approaching 60. Based on this, we can expect about two-thirds of farmland will need to transition to new farmers in the next 25 years.
But the number of young people entering careers in agriculture is not keeping pace with the amount of land in transition: Only 6 percent of U.S. farmers are younger than 35. This poses enormous threats to food security, land stewardship and rural livelihoods. We need to amp up our support of young farmers today to ensure a sustainable, healthy and equitable food supply in the future.
The National Young Farmers Coalition was founded in 2010 by three young farmers in the Hudson Valley, in New York state, as the only national organization led for and by young farmers. With a growing network of over 50,000 farmers, ranchers and supportive consumers nationwide, NYFC is demanding: supportive policies in Washington; developing business services that help ensure young farmer success; and growing young farmer chapters across the country, including a new chapter based in Mancos called the Southwest Colorado Farmers & Ranchers Coalition. Farmer-members of this chapter, such as Mike Nolan of Mountain Roots Produce and Dustin Stein of Stubborn Farm and Burk Beef, are banding together to shape the future of food and farming in the Southwest.
One of the greatest barriers standing in the way of young farmers here and nationwide is access to affordable farmland. To combat this, NYFC is working with land trusts to promote the permanent protection of affordable agricultural land for beginning farmers. Land protection takes money, which is why NYFC successfully advocated for full funding of $60 million for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program in the federal budget.
A national survey conducted by NYFC in 2011 showed that many young farmers are unable to afford the start-up costs of farming on top of student-loan debt. NYFC recently launched its Farming Is Public Service campaign to ensure student-loan debt doesn’t keep young people from entering careers in agriculture. Like doctors, nurses, teachers, government employees and nonprofit workers, farmers should be added to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Here in the West, young farmers face the additional challenge of aridity. NYFC is building up the resources such as case studies and a short film to ensure a resilient future for young Western farmers. So many young farmers are dedicated to stewarding our land and water. They’re building healthy soil, conserving water and growing nutritious food in an increasingly uncertain climate – but need further support. NYFC is ensuring we have the policies, funding and resources necessary to meet these challenges ahead.
Buying local is a big step in supporting young farmers. But, if we truly care about our agricultural heritage, all of us – community members, business owners, consumers, elected officials – must invest in the systemic change needed to ensure young and sustainable farmers and ranchers are successful in the long haul. We need to conserve affordable agricultural land for working farmers and ranchers; reduce the barriers of student-loan debt; enhance the resilience of Western farms and ranches; invest in business services and education; and advocate for policy that supports the next generation of growers. We are at a turning point in our nation’s history. Are we ready to invest in a better future?
Join the movement today. Visit www.youngfarmers.org.
Are you a farmer with a student loan story to tell? Take our survey at www.youngfarmers.org/studentloans and have your voice heard.
Kate Greenberg is the Western Organizer for the National Young Farmers Coalition. She works with young farmers and ranchers across the arid West and lives in Durango. Reach her at kate@youngfarmers.org.
