A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Family Farm Transition Act of 2026," directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create a new program. The program's goal is to link people who want to stop farming with people who want to start farming. To do this, the Secretary will build a database of both groups and help facilitate the transfer of farm businesses and properties. The Secretary must also publish guidance regarding these transfers. The program is set to end after five years unless the Secretary chooses to extend it for another five years.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill specifically helps those looking to exit the farming profession and those looking to enter it by providing a database and transfer guidance.
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill provides a structured way for existing farm owners to transition out of their businesses and properties.
- Scored +4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The creation of a database and guidance for transferring farm businesses directly supports small-scale agricultural entrepreneurs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Connection of Farmers: The program establishes a database to connect individuals seeking to transition away from farming with those seeking to become farmers (Section 2(b)(1)). This could help people find the right matches for farm transitions.
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Business and Property Transfers: The Secretary is tasked with facilitating the transfer of farm businesses and properties (Section 2(b)(2)). This provides a structured way for farm ownership to change hands.
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Guidance for Transitions: The Secretary will publish guidance on how to transfer farm businesses and properties (Section 2(b)(3)). This provides clear instructions for those involved in the process.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Program Expiration: The program is scheduled to terminate 5 years after the date of enactment (Section 2(d)(1)). This means the support and connection service might not be permanent unless an extension is granted.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill specifically helps those looking to exit the farming profession and those looking to enter it by providing a database and transfer guidance. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides a structured way for existing farm owners to transition out of their businesses and properties. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — By facilitating farm transitions, the bill helps maintain the agricultural presence and economic activity in rural communities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The program provides a mechanism for individuals seeking to become farmers to acquire established farm businesses.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The creation of a database and guidance for transferring farm businesses directly supports small-scale agricultural entrepreneurs. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill facilitates the transfer of farm businesses to new individuals, which can help sustain agricultural employment and entrepreneurship.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The program supports the continuity of the agricultural economy in rural areas through structured business and property transfers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — By facilitating farm property transfers, the bill could assist in the orderly transition of rural land ownership.
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jennifer McClellanDemocrat · Virginia