Dear John,

The student loan debt crisis has crippled the financial prospects of young people across the U.S. Farmers are no exception! A survey conducted in 2022 by the National Young Farmers Coalition (a crucial Farm Aid partner), found that student loan debt was listed in the top six challenges that young farmers face.

That's why Farm Aid supports the Young Farmers Success Act (YFSA). This bill, which has bipartisan support, was introduced in the House in April and would make farmers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It was introduced by Representative Glenn Thomson (R-PA) and has been cosponsored by other Republicans as well as eight Democrats in the House.

“We must encourage our youth to enter the agriculture workforce and cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” Representative Thompson said. “Without farm and ranch workers, our country will lose the ability to provide safe and affordable food to our citizens and the world.”

TAKE ACTION TODAY! Ask your representatives to cosponsor H.R.2728 and recognize farming as the public service that it is.

We'd like to introduce Hannah Tremblay, Farm Aid’s new Policy and Advocacy Manager. In their role, Hannah will advocate for policy changes that benefit family farmers and also help us distill complex information about agriculture and the policy arena. Hannah says: "I’m honored to take part in Farm Aid’s work and build on its legacy of driving legislative change that supports family farmers and the good food movement."

Please join us in welcoming Hannah to the team!

Do you ever wonder what the Farm Aid staff listens to while working? You're in luck: Check out this video playlist to watch staff favorites from past Farm Aid festivals.