USDA to fund search for next generation of farmers
18/08/2016
USDA says that the average age of a US farmer is more than 58 and so there is a need to bring a younger generation into agriculture.
"We see new and beginning farmers and ranchers as a critical force in sustaining food security, food safety, and many other aspects of agriculture that will become even more challenging as our global population grows,” said US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack.
At an event in the state of Iowa, Mr Vilsack also announced a series of forums that USDA will host in the coming months to highlight and discuss the important issues facing the agriculture industry. They will be hosted in partnership with leading universities across the US and will address issues such as land tenure, climate change and export markets.
“The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, and the forums that we are planning, will be important steps in helping young people, returning veterans and others access the tremendous opportunities in the agriculture sector,” Mr Vilsack added.
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