7 U.S.C. § 6934a: Beginning farmer and rancher coordination

The term “beginning farmer or rancher” has the meaning given such term in section 2279(a) of this title . The term “National Coordinator” means the National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator established under subsection (b)(1). The term “State coordinator” means a State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator designated under subsection (c)(1)(A). the Farm Service Agency; the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Rural Business-Cooperative Service; or the Rural Utilities Service; or a regional office of the Risk Management Agency. The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator. advise the Secretary and coordinate activities of the Department on programs, policies, and issues relating to beginning farmers and ranchers; and in consultation with the applicable State food and agriculture council, determine whether to approve a plan submitted by a State coordinator under subsection (c)(3)(B). for outreach to beginning farmers and ranchers; and to assist beginning farmers and ranchers with connecting to owners or operators that have ended, or expect to end within 5 years, actively owning or operating a farm or ranch; and facilitating interagency and interdepartmental collaboration on issues relating to beginning farmers and ranchers. Not less frequently than once each year, the National Coordinator shall distribute within the Department and make publicly available a report describing the status of steps taken to carry out the duties described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2). to conduct research on the profitability of new farms in operation for not less than 5 years in a region; to develop educational materials; to conduct workshops, courses, training, or certified vocational training; or to conduct mentoring activities. The National Coordinator, in consultation with State food and agriculture councils and directors of State offices, shall designate in each State a State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator from among employees of State offices. be familiar with issues relating to beginning farmers and ranchers; and have the ability to coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies. The Secretary shall develop a training plan to provide to each State coordinator knowledge of programs and services available from the Department for beginning farmers and ranchers, taking into consideration the needs of all production types and sizes of agricultural operations. coordinate technical assistance at the State level to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in accessing programs of the Department; develop and submit to the National Coordinator for approval under subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii) a State plan to improve the coordination, delivery, and efficacy of programs of the Department to beginning farmers and ranchers, taking into consideration the needs of all types of production methods and sizes of agricultural operation, at each county and area office in the State; oversee implementation of an approved State plan described in subparagraph (B); work with outreach coordinators in the State offices to ensure appropriate information about technical assistance is available at outreach events and activities; and coordinate partnerships and joint outreach efforts with other organizations and government agencies serving beginning farmers and ranchers.