USDA Unveils Policies to Boost Small Family Farms
Slice of Agriculture Team
May 23, 2025
Key highlights
- Launch of the "Make Agriculture Great Again" initiative
- Policy tools to support 86% of U.S. farms—small family farms
- Focus areas: credit access, land use, streamlined applications, business tools
- Backed by state agricultural leaders from 11 states
- First major rollout following a national farm tour
Notable Quotes
“ Putting Farmers First means addressing the issues farmers face head-on and fostering an economic environment that doesn’t put up roadblocks on business creation but removes them. ”
Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
“ Our family-owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. ”
Jim Pillen, Governor at Nebraska
“ Agriculture isn’t just an industry, it’s a way of life passed down through generations. ”
Kim Reynolds, Governor at Iowa
Why This Matters
This strategic policy agenda from the USDA marks a pivotal shift in agricultural priorities by placing small family farms at the forefront of national agricultural policy. With approximately 86% of U.S. farms classified as small family operations, the initiatives under the "Make Agriculture Great Again" banner aim to rejuvenate the sector by addressing systemic challenges—streamlining bureaucracy, securing financial access, and ensuring generational sustainability. These moves not only aim to revitalize rural economies but also safeguard America’s food security by empowering those at the core of its agricultural base.
