When it comes to starting a new farm, finding land and access to capital are probably two of the most critical challenges. The good news is that USDA has been helping new producers get started for decades, with a range of loans to help cover the cost of farmland and equipment. There are also loan programs available to help with inputs like seed, fertilizer and pesticides and for value-added processing (like making jam or pickles from multiple producers). And for those looking to buy into existing farmland, the Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act recently introduced in Congress would provide a powerful step forward in reducing barriers to entry and facilitating a smoother transition of agricultural land from one generation to the next.

Access to get access to land means more than simply being able to go in and out of your property—it’s the ability to use the land for what you want, whether that’s farming, recreation or something else entirely. Legal access may be established through a right of way or an easement, which can be purchased or granted. In some cases, a neighbor might grant you permission to access their land—but it’s important to always have access agreements in writing.

Secure land tenure systems are a key driver of economic growth, poverty alleviation and shared prosperity. They enable greater agricultural productivity and food security, reduced levels of migration to urban centers, increased family incomes and sustainable land use. And without them, people are at risk of losing their livelihoods, with devastating consequences.

But with agricultural land prices skyrocketing, and many traditional farmers reaching retirement age, securing the rights to their farmland becomes increasingly difficult. And for Black, Indigenous and other marginalized people who are just getting started in agriculture, the stakes are even higher.

That’s why Senator Tina Smith and a bipartisan group of her colleagues are introducing the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act—a bill that will remove barriers to entry for young and beginning farmers. The bill will support services and loans to help farmers cover closing costs and down payments, obtain clear titles, make site improvements and access training and business technical assistance. It will also prioritize projects that give farmers direct financial assistance, involve collaborative partnerships and transition land from existing producers to the next generation.

This legislation will be an excellent step toward ensuring that our land is accessible for all to enjoy, but we can’t do it alone. This is why we encourage you to reach out to your representative to ask them to cosponsor the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities act. Together, we can build a better future for our children and grandchildren.