H.R. 2536 — New Producer Economic Security Act

This section establishes within the Farm Service Agency the New Producer Economic Security Program, a competitive grant, cooperative agreement, or capital support program for eligible entities (e.g., state/local governments, Indian Tribes, CDFIs, nonprofits, cooperatives, institutions of higher education, and financial institutions described in 12 U.S.C. 2015(b)(1)(B), excluding foreign-owned corporations) to carry out covered projects benefiting qualified beneficiaries. Qualified beneficiaries are natural persons who are beginning farmers or ranchers (with less than 10 years of operation), operate on rented land, have income at or below 200% of the national poverty level or half the county median household income, or are economically disadvantaged as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture—and who actively participate in farm, ranch, or forest management or production (directly or through authorized legal entities with no more than 25 natural person owners meeting similar criteria). The program's purposes include strengthening U.S. food system security through community-led solutions that increase qualified beneficiaries' access to land (including agricultural, urban, public, and noncontiguous parcels, excluding natural areas), capital, and markets; support farm establishment and viability; promote financial, physical, and mental health; prevent land loss; facilitate farmland transitions; and provide related technical assistance.