Riley, McDonald Rivet Fight to Ensure USDA Emergency Relief Goes to Family Farmers, Not Big Ag Corporations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced nearly $16 billion in disaster-relief funding, Representatives Josh Riley (NY-19) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) today called on Secretary Rollins to ensure the aid reaches small family farmers – not the big ag companies and investment funds that have been buying up farmland and pushing family farms to the brink. 

“In Upstate New York, family farmers are hanging on by a thread. They don’t need more competition from big ag corporations and investment funds, and they sure don’t need to watch emergency aid get steered to the folks who need it least,” Rep. Riley said. “I’m demanding the USDA get this relief into the right hands — the hands that actually feed our communities.”

“Senseless tariffs are devastating small farms in mid-Michigan, making it harder for them to sell their crops and make ends meet,” Rep. McDonald Rivet said. “Relief would be a step in the right direction, and the USDA should guarantee hardworking family farmers are the first ones in line, not corporations with connections to Wall Street and the White House.”

Between 2008 and 2023, the amount of farmland owned by investment funds increased by 231%. Investigations have shown that the rise of investment funds in agriculture has contributed to the dramatic price increase of farmland, adding to the financial stress of family farmers, while also boxing new and beginning producers out of the industry.

At the same time we’ve seen a rise in investment funds in agriculture, we’ve also seen an increase in the amount of foreign-owned farmland. From 2014 to 2023, the amount of agricultural land owned by foreign entities has increased 67%. To that end, the members argued that any emergency relief should solely go to the family farmers already squeezed thin, not large corporations that can withstand financial hardship.  

“Large conglomerate entities should not be prioritized as a recipient of any assistance, as they have the financial means to weather through a decline in returns on their investment in the farming operations. Small family farms, on the other hand, depend on these essential programs to sustain their livelihoods,” the Members wrote. 

Read the full letter HERE.

As one of only two New Yorkers on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Riley is committed to prioritizing local family farmers and producers across Upstate New York:

• LEAPS Act (H.R. 3979) – Helps farmers upgrade outdated irrigation systems—cutting costs, conserving water, and driving demand for equipment made in Upstate New York.
• Future FARMERS Act (H.R. 1952) – Reauthorizes $40 million for ag-science education to train the next generation.
• Strengthening Rural Cooperatives Act (H.R. 1951) – Expands access to grants for rural co-ops and ag-based small businesses.
• Honor Farmer Contracts Act (H.R. 2396) – Requires USDA to uphold its promise to America’s farmers and rural communities by unfreezing funding for previously signed agreements and contracts.
• Launched an Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board to provide recommendations and input for his work on the Agriculture Committee.

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