Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Alma Adams (D-NC) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) have introduced the “Office of Small Farms Establishment Act”.  This would create a new office within the Farm Production and Conservation area of USDA to would facilitate technical assistance. Grants of up to $25,000 for small-acreage operations would be made for equipment, planning, conservation practices and even down-payments for land. 

The Office would also coordinate existing efforts within the USDA with regard to small-acreage farms and ensure that operators have equitable access to federal programs including farm loans, conservation funding, crop insurance and other benefits enjoyed by larger farming operations. 

Statistics suggest that although small-acreage farms represent 75 percent of agricultural operations they received twelve percent of government payments and are at a disadvantage with respect to the structure of many USDA programs.  Even if the Office of Small Farms Establishment Bill is enacted, it is possible that under a subsequent administration the Office will be disbanded.  Alternatively, the actions of the proposed Office may prove to be beneficial and enhance production.

Predictably, the Bill is endorsed by organizations committed to small-scale agriculture including the American Farmland Trust.