Farming is an important component of our American heritage throughout the United States, and sustainable practices go hand-in-hand with habitat management and wildlife populations. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced the Transition Incentives Program (TIP), a new program under the Conservation Title of the 2008 Farm Bill – to encourage retired or retiring owners or operators to transition their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
“Ensuring that our nation’s land is returned to production using sustainable methods is critical not only for our future food supply, but also for the economic future of our rural communities. Access to land is one of the greatest challenges faced by new farmers. The Transition Incentives Program is one more tool in the USDA toolkit to protect family farms and support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers.”