This legislation amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish a new grant program for agriculture workforce training. The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will award these grants to a wide range of eligible institutions , including land-grant universities, community colleges, and career and technical education schools. The grants are intended to fund agriculture workforce training programs developed by these institutions in partnership with targeted industry partners , such as agriculture companies, industry associations, or registered apprenticeship programs. These programs will offer various training methods, including internships, apprenticeships, and experience-based curricula, alongside educational workshops to build technical skills. The primary goals are to promote the growth and competitiveness of the agriculture industry and to improve the training and retention of its workforce. Grant recipients must allocate at least five percent of the funds to implement the training programs, covering expenses like student recruitment and professional development for faculty to prepare students for agricultural careers. The Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to implement these new provisions by January 31, 2026.
This legislation amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish a new grant program for agriculture workforce training. The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will award these grants to a wide range of eligible institutions , including land-grant universities, community colleges, and career and technical education schools. The grants are intended to fund agriculture workforce training programs developed by these institutions in partnership with targeted industry partners , such as agriculture companies, industry associations, or registered apprenticeship programs. These programs will offer various training methods, including internships, apprenticeships, and experience-based curricula, alongside educational workshops to build technical skills. The primary goals are to promote the growth and competitiveness of the agriculture industry and to improve the training and retention of its workforce. Grant recipients must allocate at least five percent of the funds to implement the training programs, covering expenses like student recruitment and professional development for faculty to prepare students for agricultural careers. The Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to implement these new provisions by January 31, 2026.