HR-7769 : Still Just a Bill

The Farm Transitions Act of 2024 (H.R. 7769) amends the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to reauthorize and modify the Commission on Farm Transitions-Needs for 2050. Key provisions include:

• Establishment Timeline: Mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Commission within 60 days of the Act's enactment.
• Expanded Study and Recommendations: Broadens the Commission's study to include making recommendations related to:
  • Ensuring affordable and timely access to credit for farm transfers.
  • Supporting apprenticeships, mentoring, business training, and technical assistance programs.
  • Examining State and Federal policies (including tax policies) that facilitate or impede farm transfers.
  • Addressing heirs' property and succession of agricultural land.
  • Analyzing barriers faced by historically underserved and women farmers/ranchers in transferring, inheriting, or purchasing agricultural assets.
  • Studying leasing and ownership trends, including those involving foreign persons or entities.
• Report Deadline: Extends the deadline for the Commission's report to 2 years after the enactment of the Farm Transitions Act of 2024.
• Reauthorization: Reauthorizes the Commission through 2028.

In summary, the bill aims to strengthen the Commission on Farm Transitions, broaden its scope of study, and extend its authorization to address the evolving needs of farm transitions and ensure equitable access to agricultural resources.