The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) released the results of its most recent survey of young farmers. It finds that young farmers are working to conserve land and develop resilience in the face of the climate crisis, but still face major challenges including land access, health care costs, and student loan debt.

Conducted every five years since 2011, NYFC’s survey helps to understand the greatest challenges and opportunities young farmers face. Of the roughly 10,000 responses NYFC received for its most recent survey, more than 4,300 came from young farmers aged 40 and under. Approximately 76 percent of these young farmers are currently farming for income, while the remainder are aspiring or past farmers.

According to respondents, the most pressing issue for young farmers is land access, with 59 percent reporting that it is very or extremely challenging to find affordable land. This is particularly true for young BIPOC farmers, who report greater issues around land access compared to young white farmers.