To help America’s young farmers manage their student loan debt, U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on April 19 offered a bipartisan bill that would make them eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
“The average age of a farmer in the United States is 57 years old. We must encourage our youth to enter the agriculture workforce and cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Without farm and ranch workers, our country will lose the ability to provide safe and affordable food to our citizens and the world.”
Rep. Thompson sponsored the Young Farmer Success Act, H.R. 2728, with three original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT).
“This bill offers incentives for individuals who want to work in agriculture, which enhances both our national security and the long-term viability of our nation,” added Rep. Thompson.
Rep. Courtney pointed out that the number of small farms across the nation is declining as the average age of American farmers rises. “There’s no doubt that experience is crucial for any farming business, but when the number of U.S. farmers over 65 outnumbers those under 35 by 6-to-1, that’s a trend we need to reverse,” she said.
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association, the International Fresh Produce Association, the National Milk Producers Federation, Farm Aid, the Illinois Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, and the National Corn Growers Association are among the many organizations that support the bill.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee.