hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Creates an Office of Small Farms within USDA.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Introduced in Senate, referred to Agriculture Committee.
This bill establishes a new Office of Small Farms inside the USDA's farm production and conservation mission area. It is sponsored by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The committee will decide whether to advance it to the full Senate for a vote.
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
The bill creates a direct grant program for small farm operators (farms under 180 acres and less than $350,000 annual income) for things like equipment upgrades, conservation, or land down payments. It also establishes a hotline for farmers to report issues anonymously. Each state will have a designated coordinator to help small farms access USDA services, and coordinators must spend at least half their time on small farm issues.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue small farms need dedicated support to overcome barriers in accessing USDA programs and funding.
Critics Say
Critics contend the new office adds bureaucracy and may duplicate existing USDA efforts.
Supporters, including small farm advocacy groups, point out that small farms often struggle with complex paperwork and lack of tailored assistance. They say this bill streamlines help and provides direct grants. Critics worry about spending $25 million annually on administration and grants, and question whether existing USDA staff could be used more efficiently. Some agricultural economists caution that the acreage and income caps may exclude many family farms.