hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Creates program to match retiring farmers with new farmers.
Rep. Landsman (D-OH) and Rep. McClellan (D-VA)
In committee, no House vote yet
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program, called the 'Farm Land Link Program,' to connect farmers looking to retire with individuals who want to start farming. This program would maintain a database of both groups, help facilitate farm transfers, and publish guidance. Representative Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, and Representative McClellan, a Democrat from Virginia, introduced this bill, which is currently under review by the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced Apr 22, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and then referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. For it to become law, the committee must first approve it. After that, it would need to pass a vote in the full House, then pass the Senate, and finally be signed by the President. It has not yet moved beyond the committee stage.
If passed, new farmers looking to enter the industry might find it simpler to locate available farm businesses and properties, potentially lowering barriers to entry. Conversely, farmers looking to retire could have an easier time finding suitable buyers or successors for their farms. Additionally, the program would provide official guidance to help both parties navigate the complex process of transferring farm businesses and properties.
Supporters Say
Advocates would argue this bill helps preserve family farms and supports the next generation of farmers.
Critics Say
Some might question the government's role in facilitating private land transactions or the program's efficiency.
Supporters of the bill would likely emphasize its potential to address the aging farmer population and ensure the continuity of family-owned farms by making it easier for new farmers to get started. Critics, however, might raise concerns about the government creating a new program to intervene in what is traditionally a private market function, or they might question the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of such a program.