Kelly, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fund Agricultural Education, Boost Workforce

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MI), and John Husted (R-OH) reintroduced the bipartisan Community College Agriculture Advancement Act to fund workforce training and education programs in the agricultural industry at community and technical colleges.

In 2021, Kelly passed the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act which increased economic opportunities for Arizona farmers while creating a cleaner environment.

"Agriculture is the backbone of Arizona's rural communities, and we need the next generation of young farmers and agricultural workers to be ready for the job, including tackling Arizona's water problems," said Kelly. "This bill gives community colleges the resources to train college students with new skills in one of America's fastest changing industries."

"America needs agriculture and students studying agriculture need hands-on experience." said Hickenlooper. "College students everywhere should have access to agriculture business and training programs that better prepare them for their future careers."

"Community colleges throughout Nebraska are essential to developing the ag workforce our producers depend on - yet they often lack the resources to expand programs, hire instructors, and maintain facilities. I'm proud to co-lead this bill to change that, ensuring community colleges thrive and the next generation of producers has opportunities to succeed," said Fischer.

"Our agricultural workforce is the economic backbone of communities across Minnesota. That's why we must ensure students and workers are able to access one- and two-year degrees, credentials, and apprenticeships that will position them for success in critical fields like precision agriculture, natural resources management, and agribusiness," said Klobuchar. "By boosting resources for agriculture programs at community and technical colleges, this bipartisan legislation will help more people access the education and skills they need to keep our agricultural workforce strong."

"Community colleges are often the front door to careers in agriculture, especially in rural states like Mississippi with an extensive community college system. This bill gives those institutions access to resources that are too often out of reach. We think this is a smart and practical investment that will strengthen our agricultural communities and help ensure the next generation is prepared to meet the needs of this vital industry," said Hyde-Smith.

"The agriculture industry is critical to Ohio, supporting one in eight jobs in the state. This bipartisan bill would expand access to agriculture education, apprenticeship opportunities and workforce training programs, helping students gain the skills they need to succeed. By investing in the next generation of agricultural workers, we can make sure this industry continues to thrive in Ohio," said Husted.

Background:

Community and technical colleges have traditionally benefited less from federal grants and assistance when compared to four-year higher education institutions. The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow community colleges to access grant money for agriculture programs.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Establish a competitive USDA grant program where the nation's nearly 1,100 community colleges would apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture.
• Authorize $20 million for the grant program.
• Give priority to institutions that work directly with local agriculture operations to provide experiential training for students.
• Include farm business management-related subjects such as finance and accounting as eligible activities for funding.

Click here for the full text of the bill.