Current News
Thanks to all who submitted nominations to the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers by the October 10, 2023 deadline. Please stay tuned for updates as we work through the process and examine each nominee’s qualifications. You may inquire about status or send questions to acbfr@usda.gov.
Congress authorized the Committee in 1992 and since its inception, the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBFR) has been integral to USDA strategy to engage and support our new and beginning farmers. The USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) administers the ACBFR.
Membership
The USDA Secretary may appoint up to 20 members to the ACBFR. The members are representatives from state beginning farming programs; commercial lenders; private nonprofit organizations, community colleges and other higher education institutions, and other entities or persons providing lending or technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers. The Secretary may also appoint Regular Government Employees from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency. Members are appointed to 2-year terms and may seek reappointment.
Archives
- Charters and Membership
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- Current Charter (PDF, 224 KB)
- Membership Balance (PDF, 119 KB)
Past Charters
- Federal Register Notices
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Federal Register notice (June 2, 2021)
Federal Register notice (PDF, 253 KB) (October 31, 2020)
Federal Register Notice (May 19, 2020)
Federal Register Notice (CANCELLED: Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, March 16, 2020)
- Agendas and Minutes
- Transcripts and Recordings
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Transcript (PDF) (May 19, 2020)
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Meeting Presentations (Video) (May 19, 2020)
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- Presentations
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National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA) (PPT, 7.8 MB) (10.31.20)
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Economic Research Service (ERS) (10.31.20)
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Farm Service Agency (FSA) (10.31.20)
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- Recommendations
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- Recommendations from the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers September 2021 (PDF, 537 KB)
- Recommendations from the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers to USDA Secretary Perdue August 11, 2020 (PDF, 603 KB)
- Recommendations from the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers to USDA Secretary Perdue February 19, 2020 (PDF, 112 KB)
- Recommendations from the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers to Secretary Perdue - April 18, 2018 (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers to Secretary Vilsack - August 31, 2015 (PDF, 935 KB)
- USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Recommendations on Land Tenure to Secretary Vilsack - August 31, 2015 (PDF, 51.9 KB)
RESOURCES FOR BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS
USDA is an “Every Day, Every Way” department that touches the lives of every American, every day by supporting the agriculture sector, strengthening rural communities, promoting healthy eating, and helping to protect our natural resources. At the forefront of our mission is the support we provide to farmers to help them start—and continue—farming. If you have been wondering where to start at USDA, this is the place for you. Answer a few questions in our New Farmers Discovery Tool and we'll pull together personalized information we think will be helpful for you.
USDA - Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Coordinators
RMA - Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) and Veteran Farmer and Rancher (VFR)
ERS – 2018 Farm Bill Highlights
FSA – Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
NIFA - Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
Contact Us
Ms. R. Jeanese Cabrera
Designated Federal Officer
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 0601, Room 524-A
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: (202) 720-6350
Email: acbfr@usda.gov