Bill > S2727

This bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish a new grant program for agriculture workforce training. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to provide grants to a wide range of eligible educational institutions, including land-grant colleges (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions), non-land-grant agricultural colleges, Hispanic-serving agricultural universities, community colleges, and technical schools with agriculture programs. These grants will support the development of agriculture workforce training programs in collaboration with targeted industry partners such as agriculture companies, registered apprenticeship programs, and nonprofit organizations focused on agricultural employment. The primary goals of these programs are to promote industry growth, enhance competitiveness, and improve worker training and retention. Grant recipients must use at least 5% of the funds to develop programs that include student recruitment efforts and professional development for faculty to prepare students for careers in agriculture. The training programs can include internships, apprenticeships, experience-based curricula, and educational workshops to build technical skills. The bill requires implementation of these grant provisions by January 31, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2727/all-info