By Jamie Martin
The USDA has introduced a new national strategy called the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework. The plan is designed to protect farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers from legal actions and regulations that federal leaders describe harmful to rural communities.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is high time to recall a simple but profound truth about our nation: the United States was built by those who work the land. And the ability to work, protect, and own land and property continues to symbolize the American dream today,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.
“The strength of America has always been rooted in the hands that till its soil and care for its livestock. When we protect our farmers and ranchers, we protect the very foundation of freedom and prosperity. Together, we will ensure that no law, no regulation, and no agenda will ever stand in the way of America’s agricultural future,” said Rollins.
“Just as Energy Dominance is essential to America’s national security, so too is food security. The Department of the Interior is committed to cutting through red tape to restore stability to grazing permittees on BLM lands, and reopening long-shuttered allotments to ensure America’s producers can thrive,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
According to USDA leaders, agriculture is closely tied to national stability and prosperity. They stated that farmers should be able to work on their land without facing unnecessary legal battles or regulatory pressure. The plan formally addresses what the department calls “agricultural lawfare,” referring to the use of government systems in ways that negatively affect producers.
The framework includes four major pillars. Protect Producers aims to defend farmers from unfair enforcement actions and excessive bureaucracy. Preserve Land and Liberty work to safeguard farmland from eminent domain and federal projects that may disrupt agricultural operations.
Purge Burdensome Regulations focuses on reviewing and removing costly rules that limit productivity, while still maintaining reasonable environmental protections. Partner for Agriculture’s Future encourages coordination between federal, state, and local governments as well as industry partners to support rural communities.
“The hardworking individuals who feed and fuel our nation don’t need Washington managing their fields from a desk,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. “I am proud to join my friend, Secretary Rollins, to hear firsthand from the American farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to put food on our tables. Together, we are releasing rural communities from Washington’s overreach, ending the systematic lawfare to help them prosper.”
USDA officials also highlighted several recent actions aligned with this framework. These include stopping the seizure of a multi-generation family farm, ending a criminal land dispute case, and preventing the acquisition of farmland for infrastructure development.
The department stated that formalizing this framework will help reduce production costs and allow farmers to concentrate on producing safe, affordable, and nutritious food. Through this initiative, USDA leaders say they aim to restore fairness, stability, and confidence across rural America while securing the future of U.S. agriculture.
Photo Credi: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: National