Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, led a hearing to address challenges faced by America's aging farm workforce. The session, titled "The Aging Farm Workforce: America’s Vanishing Family Farms," focused on issues such as the increasing age of farmers and the declining interest among younger generations in pursuing farming careers.
Senator Scott highlighted the urgency of supporting family farms and securing the future of American agriculture. He noted that one-third of American farmers are over 65 years old, with a median age of 58, making them the nation's oldest workforce.
Witnesses at the hearing included Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau; Jim Alderman, Owner of Alderman Farms and 2025 Florida Farmer of the Year; and Aaron Locker, Managing Director at Kincannon & Reed. They discussed succession planning, strategies for retiring farmers, and promoting stability in agriculture.
Scott emphasized that "U.S. FOOD SECURITY IS NATIONAL SECURITY" and pointed out that many young people avoid farming due to high costs and regulatory burdens. He also raised concerns about foreign entities purchasing U.S. farmland, stating that China owns more than 350,000 acres across 27 states.
Scott criticized Congress for not passing a new Farm Bill since 2018, which he argued is crucial for addressing rising prices impacting farmers under current economic conditions. He called for legislative action to support American farmers and maintain agricultural production.
In conclusion, Scott stressed the importance of protecting aging farmers' legacies while ensuring national food security through effective handover strategies to younger generations.
