Vindman and McClain Delaney Introduce Two Bills to Address Agricultural Conservation Workforce Shortages

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (Md.-06) introduced two bills aimed at strategically investing in the agricultural conservation workforce. These pieces of legislation aim to expand opportunities for students and support programs that prepare the next generation of professionals in these critical fields.

The Agricultural Conservation Mentorship Act would allow retirees in the United States Department of Agriculture's Experience Services Program to serve as mentors for conservation interns, helping transfer decades of expertise to the next generation of professionals.

The Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act would amend the Higher Education Challenge Grant to allow the Secretary to prioritize based on employment demand and provide flexibility to meet changing conditions, such as the recent expansion of demand for technical assistance.

These bills were endorsed by the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

"As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I know our agriculture workforce is under real strain - fewer farms, barriers for new producers, and decades of knowledge at risk of walking out the door as experienced professionals retire," said Vindman. "I'm proud to join Congresswoman McClain Delaney in introducing efforts to expand workforce training and mentorship opportunities for students and young professionals so the next generation is prepared to support our farmers, steward our land, and keep American agriculture strong."

"Right now, farmers, conservation districts, and private industry are telling us the same thing: workforce shortages are a bottleneck," said McClain Delaney. "As the daughter of a farmer, I've seen firsthand how our farmers are the best stewards of our land, but without the right tools, training and technical support they cannot deliver conservation outcomes that support their yields and our environment. Building that workforce starts with investing in community colleges, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programs, and these bills will help us prepare the next generation of conservation professionals."

"A shortage of trained agricultural conservation technical advisors remains a stubborn roadblock for farmers ready to implement best management practices on their operations and improve the health of their soils and waterways. These skilled professionals must not only understand soils, crops and ecosystems, but they must also build strong relationships and trust with farmers and landowners," said Chesapeake Bay Commission Executive Director Anna Killius. "These provisions expand opportunities for both four-year and two-year institutions to provide hands-on training and draw on the experience of retired conservation professionals to ensure that new hires are ready to fill these important roles on day one."

BACKGROUND

Across the country, the agricultural conservation workforce is facing growing challenges. The number of farms continues to decline, new farmers face significant barriers to entry, and job seekers face limited access to training, mentorship and hands-on experience. At the same time, decades of institutional knowledge are at risk of being lost as experienced professionals across agriculture and conservation approach retirement, making it increasingly important to strengthen education and workforce training programs that prepare the next generation.

###