H.R. 8502: Heirs’ Agricultural Resources, Viability, Education, and Succession Transfer

The bill titled the **Heirs’ Agricultural Resources, Viability, Education, and Succession Transfer (HARVEST) Act** aims to enhance the transfer of agricultural land and assets, particularly concerning heirs property, to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Here’s a summary of its key components:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary objective of this legislation is to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study. This study will focus on increasing opportunities for **1890 Institutions**—historically Black colleges and universities with agricultural programs—to provide educational support and technical assistance on transferring agricultural land and assets. This effort is especially significant for managing heirs property.

Study Requirements

The Secretary of Agriculture must carry out this study and submit a report to Congress by **September 30, 2026**. The study will specifically examine:

• Ways to facilitate educational programs that help current landholders and potential future farmers understand the complexities of land transfer.
• Methods to provide technical assistance to those involved in the transfer of agricultural land and assets.

Definition of Heirs Property

The bill defines **heirs property** to clarify the types of property that the study will address. Heirs property is characterized by the following conditions:

1. There is no recorded agreement among all co-tenants that dictates how the property should be partitioned.
2. One or more of the co-tenants received their title to the property from a relative, either living or deceased.
3. At least one of the following criteria is met:
   • 20 percent or more of the ownership interests are held by co-tenants who are related.
   • 20 percent or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired their title from a relative.
   • 20 percent or more of the co-tenants are relatives.

Ultimate Goal

The ultimate aim of the HARVEST Act is to ensure that the next generation of farmers and ranchers has better opportunities to maintain agricultural land and resources that may have been in their families for generations. By focusing on education and technical support, the bill seeks to empower individuals and communities to effectively manage and transfer their agricultural assets.

Relevant Companies

None found.