hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Establishes a USDA Office of Small Farms.
Ms. Strickland, Ms. Adams, and Mr. McGovern, House members.
Introduced in the House, awaiting committee review.
This bill, introduced by Representative Strickland and co-sponsored by Representatives Adams and McGovern, aims to create a dedicated 'Office of Small Farms' within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This office would specifically coordinate support, review policies, and provide grants and technical assistance to small farming, ranching, and forest operations. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for consideration.
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
H.R. 7562 was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 12, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for review and potential amendments. For the bill to become law, it must pass both the House and the Senate, and then be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, operators of small farms, ranches, and forest operations (under 180 acres or $350,000 gross annual income) could gain significant support. The new Office of Small Farms would coordinate efforts across the USDA, review existing programs to remove disadvantages for small operations, and develop new initiatives. It would provide technical assistance for accessing federal programs and offer grants up to $25,000 for needs like equipment repairs, uninsured losses, business planning, or land acquisition down payments. Additionally, a hotline would be established for anonymously reporting problems accessing USDA programs, and dedicated State Small Farms Coordinators would provide local support.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this office will ensure small farms, critical to local economies, receive tailored support and are not overlooked by federal programs.
Critics Say
Critics might suggest that creating a new office could lead to unnecessary bureaucracy or duplicate services already offered by existing USDA agencies.
Those in favor of the bill emphasize that a dedicated Office of Small Farms would streamline access to vital resources and help small operators overcome unique challenges, fostering their sustainability and growth. They believe it would ensure USDA programs are specifically designed and delivered to meet the needs of smaller-scale agriculture and forestry. Conversely, some might question whether current USDA agencies could adapt to better serve small farms without the need for a new administrative layer, potentially saving taxpayer money or avoiding redundancy.