WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and reintroduced the Century Farms Act to recognize farms that have been in continuous operation for 100 or more years.

More than 30 states – including Arkansas and Connecticut – have established Century or Centennial Farms designations and awards. However, no federal recognition for 100-year-old farms currently exists. The Century Farms Act will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a program honoring and recognizing the invaluable contributions of century-old farms.      

“Family farms are a vital piece of Arkansas’s economy and the history of our country. Family farms make up 99 percent of all U.S. farms, and many of these have been passed down through several generations. This bill recognizes families across the country whose commitment to farming and ranching has continued for 100 years through the good times and the bad. This honor will recognize the important role America’s producers of food and fiber have played in our history and encourage the preservation of this tradition,” Boozman said.

“It's really extraordinary that farms in Connecticut and across the country have been in operation for more than 100 years,” said Murphy. “Farming is full of challenges, and whenever I talk to farmers in Connecticut, I’m amazed at the work they’re doing to create good jobs and bring healthy, locally-grown foods to market. This bill is a small way to celebrate their accomplishments and their legacy. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill with Senator Boozman and I’ll keep fighting to bring the voices of Connecticut small farmers to Washington."