Purpose:
To encourage sustainable agriculture, promote rural development, and ensure responsible land stewardship by opening up designated federal lands in the western United States for small-scale homesteading and farming. This policy aims to support small farmers, increase food security, and foster community-driven development while maintaining environmental conservation.
Many regions in the western United States contain large tracts of federally owned lands. These lands have historically been used for grazing, logging, and other purposes. As demand for locally produced food and interest in sustainable living grows, opening up portions of these lands for small-scale farming offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate rural economies, provide access to affordable land, and increase agricultural production in an environmentally responsible manner.
Policy Objectives
- Increase opportunities for small farmers and new farmers.
- Promote sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.|
- Support rural economic development through the creation of small, family-run farms.|
- Maintain ecological integrity by requiring conservation practices and protecting sensitive ecosystems.|
- Address food security by boosting regional agricultural production.|
To qualify for a homesteading claim under the FWLHA, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a background in agriculture or a demonstrated interest and plan for farming.
- Not own more than 10 acres of agricultural land at the time of application.
2.2 Priority Applicants
Priority will be given to the following groups:
- Veterans and active-duty military personnel transitioning to civilian life.
- Low-income individuals and families.
- Multi-family groups
- Young and beginning farmers (under 40 years old).
- Citizens that are resident of the states where the land is reopened for public use.
Land may be used for:
• Crop farming, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
• Livestock grazing and dairy farming, with a focus on sustainable grazing practices.
• Specialty farming, such as organic farms, beekeeping, and agroforestry.
• Mixed-use agricultural operations that combine crop and livestock farming.
Restrictions
• Development must occur within the first 2 years of homesteading
• The land cannot be sold for 10 years, however can be granted to heirs within that time period if a death occurs within the time frame.
• Land cannot be used for industrial-scale agriculture or purely commercial developments.
Homesteaders must adhere to sustainable farming practices to ensure the long-term viability of the land, including:
• Implementation of crop rotation and cover cropping to prevent soil degradation.
• Soil and water conservation measures, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and erosion control.
• A commitment to integrated pest management (IPM) and the reduction of chemical inputs.
The Federal Western Land Homesteading Act aims to create a pathway for new generations of small farmers while ensuring that the land is used in an environmentally sustainable manner. By balancing agricultural development with conservation, this policy seeks to revitalize rural economies, increase food production, and offer Americans the opportunity to build a future on the land.