Exciting news, folks, from the National Young Farmers Coalition: last week, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act (S.2168). The July 18 press release from NYFC can be found here.

In the House, HR 3232 would add farmers to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. In the Senate, the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act (S.2168), would create the Agricultural Loan Forgiveness Program, a loan forgiveness program specifically for farmers and ranchers that would provide a pathway out of student loan debt, bolster the nation’s agricultural economy and provide security to its food supply. 

Take action today to support and help move forward this crucial legislature!! Text "student loans" to 40649 and *click here* to ask your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act because #farmingispublicservice!

Farming is a capital-intensive occupation and student loan debt is often prohibitive for young people in getting the credit needed to start their own farms and contribute to their local economies. These bills would help make farming a viable career choice for young people as our nation’s average age of farmers creeps higher and higher. They would allow the nation to invest in retaining more young farmers who are highly educated, experienced, and pursuing successful agricultural careers, but struggling under the burden of student loan debt. 

Thank you, National Young Farmers Coalition.