WASHINGTON, August 14, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 20 new members to the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. This committee is part of USDA’s support for equitable access to its services and programs, aiming to create more market opportunities for local and regional production.
“The next generation of farmers, whether continuing a multi-generational operation or starting anew, deserve the very best opportunities,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “The Biden-Harris administration is convening this committee so young farmers have a voice in policies to level the playing field for small and mid-sized producers, strengthen rural economies, and enhance food security and safety.”
Committee members represent ranching and farming producers, related state and Tribal agricultural entities, academic institutions, commercial banking entities, trade associations, and related nonprofit enterprises. All committee members have previously demonstrated the ability to serve on behalf of new and beginning farmers, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities while representing small establishments and geographic diversity. Members work in academia, industry, government, public health organizations, industry, and consumer organizations.
Members appointed to the committee are:
Regular Government Employees (RGEs)
Denis Ebodaghe - Washington D.C., National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Sarah Campbell - Washington D.C., Farm Service Agency (FSA)
State Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Programs
David Robbins - California
Christopher Laughton - Connecticut
Shelby Myers - Indiana
Nonprofit Organizations
Thai Nguyen - Colorado
Chandler Mulvaney - Colorado
Jeanette Lombardo - Texas
Loutrina Staley - Alabama
Kathryn Brandt - Michigan
Higher Education Institutions
E’licia Chaverest - Alabama
Gregory Goins - North Carolina
Jonathan LaPorte - Indiana
Technical and Other Assists
Alexandria Moxley - Montana
Edward Hunt - North Carolina
Farmers and Ranchers
Nancy Brannaman - Iowa
Darlene Goodgame - Georgia
Joseluis Ortiz - New Mexico
Ana Rodriguez - Puerto Rico
Dustin Wiese - Minnesota
First established in 1992, the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBFR) advises the Secretary of Agriculture on strategies, policies, and programs that enhance opportunities for new farmers and ranchers.
USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) provides administrative staff support for the work initiated by the committee. OPPE develops partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities while connecting those communities to education, tools, and resources available through USDA programs.
For more information visit the Advisory Committee on Beginner Farmers and Ranchers website.
USDA impacts American lives daily through various initiatives under the Biden-Harris Administration. These include transforming America’s food system with resilient local production; fairer markets; ensuring safe food access; building income streams using climate-smart practices; investing in infrastructure; clean energy capabilities in rural areas; committing to equity by removing systemic barriers; building a representative workforce. For more details visit www.usda.gov.
