Honor Farmer Contracts Act Aims to Unfreeze USDA Funds

By Blake Jackson

Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) has introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, a bill aimed at compelling the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fulfill its financial commitments to American farmers and rural communities. This legislation seeks to immediately release frozen funds for previously agreed-upon contracts and agreements.

Riley's initiative comes in response to a two-month period during which farmers, small businesses, and agricultural support organizations have been left waiting for the USDA to honor its obligations.

"Our farms are already struggling to make ends meet under crippling tariff threats, a labor shortage, and an economy that props up Big Ag while small producers get screwed," Riley stated. "And now, to add insult to injury, this Administration is breaking its promises to them. Enough is enough. It's time for the USDA to unfreeze these funds and pay what they owe our farmers."

The funding delays have significantly impacted farmers across New York State, with at least 150 farms and agricultural support organizations awaiting approximately $168 million.

Scott Glezen, a 7th-generation Upstate farmer said, "The federal government must honor its commitments and immediately reinstate funding for climate-smart projects. This support is essential for protecting clean water, preventing soil erosion, and reducing nutrient runoff. Due to this shortfall, we've been forced to delay critical projects and divert funds to cover already-signed contracts all at great cost to our farm."

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act includes several key provisions: it mandates the unfreezing of all USDA contracts with farmers and farm service providers, requires immediate payment of overdue amounts, protects farmers from contract cancellations unless they violate the terms, and ensures local farm service offices remain open.

The bill has garnered support from prominent agricultural organizations, including the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York and Black Farmers United-NYS Inc., as well as hundreds of other leading associations nationwide.

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