GLICKMAN RECEIVES NATIONAL STRATEGY TO ASSIST SMALL FARMS

                                                               
                                            Release No. 0027.98
                                                               
                                                               
Backgrounder

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SMALL FARMS REPORT 
                             
     "A Time to Act" is a 120 page report of the National Commission on Small Farms
which lays out a strategy to aid the survival of America's small farms.  This study is part of the
Clinton Administration's on-going efforts to address the needs of family farmers and preserve
our nation's small farm heritage.

     The National Commission on Small Farms was formed by Secretary Glickman in July,
1997, and is chaired by former Congressman Harold Volkmer.  The Commission was
developed in response to recommendations made by the USDA Civil Rights Action Team
(CRAT).  

     The Commission sought ways for small farmers to be more competitive through 
government and private initiatives, as well as the application of appropriate research. The
Report specifically recommends:

     Promoting and fostering new regional markets benefiting small farmers and the rural
     and urban poor through a federal interagency partnership. (Rec. 3.25).

     Providing training and technical assistance to small farm operators and beginning
     farmers through an entrepreneurial development initiative.  This effort will assist the
     creation of farmer owned and operated marketing enterprises. (Rec. 3.26)

     Initiating a new Beginning Farmer Development Program which creates training and
     assistance centers for beginning farmers in partnership with community-based
     nonprofits, land-grant universities, and the private sector.(Rec. 5.5 & 5.8)

     Developing a research initiative which teaches small farmers to use less capital-
     intensive investments, by fully utilizing their ingenuity, hard work, and the unique
     resources of their farms. (Rec. 1.1.)

     The Commission offers suggestions to assist the living conditions of farm workers, the
preservation of farmland and environmentally sensitive areas.  The Report stresses the need for
outreach to farmers, lenders, and educational institutions, as well as opening new avenues to
credit.  Also, it seeks legislation to increase crop insurance coverage and to create beginning
farmer grant programs.

     In the last few months, Secretary Glickman has put into action many of the
recommendations from "A Time to Act," including:

     Developing new lending procedures through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) which
     substantially streamline the application process and form requirements. (Rec. 1.28)

     Fully funding direct farm ownership loans and direct farm operating loans, which is part
     of President Clinton's FY 99 Budget (Rec. 7.3, 7.4, 7.8)

     Developing legislation to change the loan restrictions for small farmers on debt
     forgiveness (Rec. 1.24)

     The work of the Commission is another important step in President Clinton's and
Secretary Glickman's strategy to ensure the economic viability and success of our nation's
future generations of small farmers.   An "Action Team" led by Deputy Secretary Rominger
will begin examining methods for implementing the recommendations of the National
Commission on Small Farms.
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                                                 January 22, 1998