HARVEST Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Orders the Agriculture Secretary to study how 1890 Institutions (historically Black land-grant colleges) can teach families to transfer farmland to heirs without losing it.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: Black farming families, 1890 Institutions like Tuskegee and Alabama A&M, young farmers inheriting land.
- Loses: no one materially; study only, no enforcement.
What it does
- Requires a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study and report to Congress by September 30, 2026.
- Defines 'heirs property': land co-owned by relatives without a written partition agreement.
- Focuses on educational programs and technical assistance for land succession.
- Targets the 19 historically Black 1890 land-grant universities.
Why should I care?
Black families have lost millions of acres of farmland through heirs property disputes, often because no will exists. Supporters say 1890 Institutions are best positioned to reach these communities. Critics argue a study delays real action ā€” direct funding for legal aid would help faster. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.