USDA Appoints New Advisory Committee Members for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, August 14, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of 20 new members to the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. This initiative exemplifies USDA’s commitment to equitable access to its services and programs, aiming to foster greater market opportunities for local and regional producers.

“The next generation of farmers, whether they’re carrying on a family legacy or starting fresh, deserves optimal opportunities,” stated Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “The Biden-Harris administration is convening this committee to ensure that young farmers have a platform to influence policies that promote fairness for small and mid-sized producers, bolster rural economies, and enhance food security and safety.”

The committee comprises members from various sectors, including farming and ranching producers, state and Tribal agricultural organizations, academic institutions, commercial banking entities, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations. Members have a proven record of advocating for new and beginning farmers, minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities, representing a diverse array of small enterprises and geographic regions. Their expertise spans academia, industry, government, public health, and consumer organizations.

Appointed members include:

Regular Government Employees (RGEs)
Denis Ebodaghe, Washington, D.C., National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Sarah Campbell, Washington, D.C., Farm Service Agency (FSA)

State Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Programs
David Robbins, California
Christopher Laughton, Connecticut
Shelby Myers, Indiana

Nonprofit Organizations
Thai Nguyen, Colorado
Chandler Mulvaney, Colorado
Jeanette Lombardo, Texas
Loutrina Staley, Alabama
Kathryn Brandt, Michigan

Higher Education Institutions
E’licia Chaverest, Alabama
Gregory Goins, North Carolina
Jonathan LaPorte, Indiana

Technical and Other Assists
Alexandria Moxley, Montana
Edward Hunt, North Carolina

Farmers and Ranchers
Nancy Brannaman, Iowa
Darlene Goodgame, Georgia
Joseluis Ortiz, New Mexico
Ana Rodriguez, Puerto Rico
Dustin Wiese, Minnesota

Established in 1992, the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBFR) serves as a key advisory body to the Secretary of Agriculture on improving opportunities for new farmers and ranchers.

The USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) supports the committee’s work with administrative resources. OPPE is tasked with building partnerships to address issues facing rural and underserved communities, linking them to educational resources and tools available through USDA programs and initiatives.

For additional information, please visit the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers website.

The USDA positively impacts the daily lives of all Americans. The Biden-Harris Administration’s mission is to transform America’s food system, emphasizing resilient local and regional production, fairer markets for all producers, access to safe and nutritious food for every community, and creating new income streams for farmers through climate-smart practices. Additionally, USDA is making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy in rural areas while committed to equity by dismantling systemic barriers and cultivating a diverse workforce that reflects America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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