{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-unveils-new-bill-support-next-generation-farmers", "Rep. Gabe Vasquez Unveils New Bill to Support the Next Generation of Farmers", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LAS CRUCES, N.M. \u2013 U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) announced the introduction of his bill, the Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act, that supports farmers by creating mentorship programs where experienced farmers can provide hands-on training and guidance to new producers.\n\nIn New Mexico, farming is a way of life that has been passed down through generations. However, many new farmers often face challenges in accessing vital information from federal agencies. The Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act ensures that new farmers have access to local, on-the-ground knowledge from experienced farmers who have been cultivating their land for generations.\n\n\u201cMy Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act will ensure young, upstart farmers can run productive, sustainable farms by directly connecting them to seasoned growers who understand their challenges,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cOur farming population is aging, and we are facing a significant shortage of skilled new farmers. This program ensures the quick and efficient exchange of local knowledge \u2014 providing beginning farmers with ways to overcome many of their existing barriers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are no better or more trusted voices for farmers looking to adopt conservation practices than other farmers,\u201d said Samantha Levy, Conservation and Climate Policy Manager for the American Farmland Trust. \u201cWe applaud Rep. Vasquez for introducing a bill that would build the capacity for farmer-to-farmer networks to provide the very support farmers and ranchers \u2014 including young and farmers of color \u2014 need to implement practices critical to the resilience and viability of their operations.\u201d\n\nThe Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act will promote regional knowledge exchange by encouraging farmers to share their farming practices and experiences that have worked in the area with new farmers and will improve communication between federal agencies and local farming communities to ensure that all farmers have access to essential information and support. By having someone with firsthand experience address the difficulties that can prevent farmers from trying a new practice, the next generation of farmers will be better equipped to succeed and ensure the longevity of farming in New Mexico.\n\n\u201cThe majority of young and beginning farmers are motivated by stewarding and protecting the land and natural resources. In fact, 83% of young farmers who took the National Young Farmer Survey stated that one of their farm's primary purposes for existing is to \u2018engage in conservation or regeneration,\u2019\u201d said Lotanna Obodozie, Climate Policy Director of National Young Farmers Coalition. \u201cHowever, they are starting their farm businesses in an increasingly uncertain climate. When looking for information on how to adapt to a changing climate, many farming communities already hold deep knowledge on how to build resilience and mitigate climate change in their region. Young farmers just need these connections and resources. The Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act will provide critical investments in farmer-led education, particularly for young farmers and farmers of color, who are already leaders in building resilience and enhancing conservation on their farms.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Vasquez is committed to supporting agricultural producers and ensuring that the rich tradition of farming continues to flourish in New Mexico and every corner of the United States.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Farmland Trust, National Young Farmers Coalition, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, La Semilla, The Nature Conservancy, Kiss the Ground, New Mexico Healthy Soils Working Group and more. The full list of endorsements is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-unveils-new-bill-support-next-generation-farmers"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7357150316238403, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}