The recent government meeting on June 4, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of America's aging farm workforce and the decline of family farms. Key discussions highlighted the challenges posed by an aging demographic in agriculture, with the average American farmer now being 58 years old. Alarmingly, one-third of farmers are over the age of 65, and in states like Florida, this figure rises to 40%. This aging workforce owns over 40% of U.S. farmland, raising concerns about the future of agricultural production and food security in the nation.

The meeting underscored the alarming trend of farm closures, with more than 200,000 farms lost since 2007, equating to 40 million acres of land no longer dedicated to food production. Factors contributing to this decline include the rising costs of farming, regulatory burdens, and the financial pressures that discourage younger generations from entering the field. The average price of farmland has surged over 7% in the past three years, making it increasingly difficult for new farmers to acquire land.

Participants expressed concern over the impact of foreign entities, particularly China, which currently owns over 350,000 acres of U.S. farmland. This situation poses a significant threat to national food security. Additionally, the lack of a comprehensive farm bill since 2018 has left farmers without essential support, exacerbating their struggles with rising prices and market volatility.

Ranking member Gillibrand emphasized the need for Congress to support farmers through a robust and bipartisan farm bill that addresses the needs of both aging and new farmers. She highlighted the importance of investing in rural communities, improving access to broadband, childcare, and mental health support, which are crucial for attracting younger generations back to farming.

The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action to ensure the sustainability of American agriculture and the preservation of family farms. Witnesses, including Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, stressed the urgency of modernizing agricultural policies to secure the future of farming in the United States. The discussions underscored a collective responsibility to protect the legacy of aging farmers and ensure a stable food supply for the nation.