Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2026

This legislative proposal, known as the Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2026, mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a new competitive grant program. The primary goal of this program is to foster and enhance farming and ranching opportunities specifically for veterans. Grants will be awarded to various eligible entities , which include cooperative extension services, land-grant colleges, State departments of agriculture, and nonprofit organizations, among others. Recipients of these grants must use the funds to provide comprehensive training and classroom education on farm and ranch business operations, develop relevant curricula, and offer workshops and field experiences. These activities are designed to equip veterans with the necessary knowledge and skills for agricultural enterprises. Grantees are also required to provide non-Federal matching funds equal to the grant amount, and the bill authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support this initiative.