WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) today introduced the Farm Transitions Act, bipartisan legislation to address the impending generational shift in American agriculture and help young and underserved farmers in Iowa carry on their family tradition. In his news release, Nunn said “In Iowa, farming is a way of life that’s passed down from one generation to the next. With over half of U.S. farmland set to change hands in the next two decades, we need to ensure that family farms can stay in the family. This bipartisan bill would give young and beginning farmers better access to the tools, capital, and support they need to build successful operations and keep our rural communities strong.”

Over 95% of Iowa’s 87,000 farms are still family-owned, forming the backbone of a rural economy that contributes more than $159 billion annually to the state. But with two-thirds of Iowa’s farmland now owned by individuals aged 65 and older, experts warn of generational consolidation when these farmers begin to retire. Without a clear path for young and beginning farmers to step in, thousands of farms that have been family-run for generations could be bought up by large corporations or outside investors.

“Strengthening rural America requires real partnerships and lasting solutions,” said Rep. Davis. “These bipartisan bills reflect our commitment to giving rural communities the tools they need to grow, thrive, and prepare for the future. From expanding access to federal rural development resources to supporting the next generation of family farmers, this work is critical to the long-term success of eastern North Carolina and rural communities nationwide. We need more people moving to eastern North Carolina and rural America. These bills will make it easier for eastern North Carolina towns to access rural development technical assistance and for our next generation of farmers to keep our rich agricultural tradition in the east going strong.”

With over 370 million acres of farmland expected to transition ownership in the coming decades, the Farm Transitions Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stand up the Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050, which was originally authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill but never formally established. The Commission would evaluate the major challenges facing the next generation of producers, including land affordability, access to credit, tax and lending barriers, and the effectiveness of existing USDA programs. It would also assess the role of mentorship, technical training, and foreign ownership in shaping the future of American agriculture—an expansion of the original Commission mandate.

The Farm Transitions Act would require the Commission to deliver a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to Congress within two years, with an emphasis on ensuring young and beginning farmers have access to the land, resources, and support they need to keep family farms strong for the next generation.