Yesterday, Florida Farmer of the Year, Jim Alderman, owner of Alderman Farms in Boynton Beach, Fla., provided testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to address the impact of the aging agricultural workforce and its impact on food security.
“Farming isn’t just about growing crops—it’s about passing down knowledge, discipline, and a way of life. But that chain of succession is breaking. Nationwide, less than 9% of farmers are under 35, and the numbers are even more sobering in states like mine. Young people want to farm, but they’re running into walls: land is expensive, equipment costs are staggering, and access to financing is tough, especially for those without family assets.”
Photo courtesy of U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.
Alderman, who has farmed for more than 40 years in South Florida, testified that to sustain American agriculture there must be a smooth path between generations. Investing in beginner farmer programs, expanding technical assistance and offering incentives such as estate planning tools to make farm transition easier while still maintaining the farm legacy.
“These aren’t just policy tweaks—they are necessary steps to prevent our food system from eroding one generation at a time,” said Alderman.
He emphasized the importance of keeping farmland in production. “In Florida, where the cost of land is skyrocketing and development pressure is intense, every farm we lose to retirement risks becoming a parking lot or subdivision. Once that land is gone, it’s gone for good. That’s why this hearing matters. Because preserving farmland means supporting the farmers who’ve spent a lifetime stewarding it—and making sure there’s a new generation ready to step in.”
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall also provided testimony.
A recording of the full hearing is available here. Alderman’s written testimony is available here.
