USDA funds farmer-to-farmer learning networks, prioritizing underserved rural communities
S. 1769 — Farmer to Farmer Education Act of 2025 · Filed by Ben Luján (D-NM) · 1 cosponsor · Introduced May 14, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to create a federal program that funds farmer-to-farmer education networks. The Department of Agriculture can enter cooperative agreements with nonprofits, farmer groups, tribes, local governments, and universities to help farmers teach each other about conservation practices, connect with mentors, and share knowledge. Priority goes to underserved and low-income farmers. The program funds events, training, and participant compensation, with reporting requirements to Congress.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core mechanism is straightforward: it establishes a federal grant program for farmer-to-farmer education networks focused on conservation practices. The title accurately reflects the bill's function.
What the text implies
- The bill's reliance on 'science-based, site-specific practices' may implicitly favor certain conservation methodologies over others, potentially influencing which farming approaches receive federal support.
- By prioritizing 'historically underserved farmers,' the program may create administrative burden in determining eligibility, potentially delaying assistance to those most in need.
- The broad definition of 'farmer-to-farmer network' and eligible entities (including 'any other entity designated by Secretary') grants significant discretionary authority to USDA, which could shift program focus with administrative changes.
Who it affects
The bill expands access to agricultural education and conservation support, particularly for historically underserved and low-income farmers who often lack resources for technical assistance. It strengthens farmer-led knowledge networks and prioritizes equity, with no apparent cost to ordinary citizens.
Who stands to gain
- nonprofit agricultural organizations
- conservation nonprofits
- farmer cooperatives and networks
- institutions of higher education (agricultural extension programs)
- tribal organizations
Named in the bill
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Food Security Act of 1985, Section 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, conservation districts, institutions of higher education
Where it stands
1 cosponsor: 1 Republicans.
- May 14, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
- May 14, 2025 — Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry”
Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.
How this was measured
Analysis — Quorum's AI read the full bill text on Jun 8, 2026; transparency and hidden-provision scores are compared against the median of 16,222 analysed bills.
Status and sponsors — Congress.gov's bill record — actions, committee referrals and cosponsors — loaded nightly. The timeline shows status changes, not every procedural action.
As of — page rendered 2026-10-20.
“USDA funds farmer-to-farmer learning networks, prioritizing underserved rural communities” QuorumCivic. https://share.quorumcivic.app/bill/119/s1769 Report an error
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