Vilsack Says More Competition, Less Consolidation Key for Healthy Rural Communities

Renewed efforts in federal agricultural policies aim to support small and midsize farm operations. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a vision for a more competitive agriculture economy ahead of the new 2023 Farm Bill this week. Since the 1980s farm crisis, agriculture has become increasingly consolidated. In 1987, only 15% of farms had 2,000 or more acres. Now, that number has risen to 41%.

Vilsack says there’s more to profitable agriculture than simply “farming big.” New USDA funding programs are devoted to supporting markets for commodities grown with climate-friendly practices, expanding small-and medium-scale meat processing and increasing domestic fertilizer production. He says diversified and expanded competition can enrich rural communities and make farming more environmentally friendly.

Read more on Vilsack’s announcement and competitive funding from USDA here.