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

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Deb Fischer, Amy Klobuchar, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mark Kelly, and Jon Husted reintroduced the bipartisan Community College Agriculture Advancement Act to fund workforce training and education programs in the agricultural industry at community and technical colleges.

"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.

"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."

"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.

When compared to four-year higher education institutions, community and technical colleges have traditionally benefited less from federal grants and assistance despite being a critical pipeline for Colorado's agricultural workforce.

The senators' bill would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow community colleges access to 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.

"The Colorado Community College System strongly supports the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act. Community colleges are indispensable to America's agricultural workforce pipeline, yet we have been excluded for too long from federal investments that support this work. In Colorado, our colleges are preparing learners for careers in precision agriculture, agribusiness, water management, and emerging agricultural technologies while helping rural communities thrive," said Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, Chancellor, Colorado Community College System. "This legislation is a long-overdue recognition of the essential role community colleges play, and it would provide Colorado's community colleges with critical resources to expand workforce training, strengthen industry partnerships, and create even more opportunities for students and the communities we serve."

"Community colleges are leading the charge to strengthen the agriculture and natural resources workforce. With the challenges of new technology and current economic conditions, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers need upgraded skills. Community colleges are critical to the agriculture sector, and provide training for agribusiness, aquaculture, horticulture, livestock, precision agriculture, dairy, forest and natural resources management, viticulture, and other areas," said Jee Hang Lee, President and CEO, Association of Community College Trustees. "Thank you to Senators Hickenlooper and Fischer, Reps. Kelly and Carbajal, and the bipartisan supporters of the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act. This bill is a critical opportunity to expand community colleges' impact and better align programs with workforce development goals in agriculture. With new federal support, community colleges can help more students, improve local industry, and strengthen our country's agricultural output."

"Community colleges play a vital role in building the skilled agricultural workforce our nation depends on. This legislation will expand access to high-quality training, strengthen partnerships with local industry, and equip students with the technology-driven skills needed to lead modern agriculture. It is a smart, bipartisan investment in our students, our rural communities, and our food systems," said Dr. Tracy Kruse, Executive Director, Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement.

"Rural and community colleges are indispensable partners in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders, technicians, and skilled workers who sustain America's food systems and rural economies. The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act represents an important investment in place-based workforce development by strengthening the capacity of community colleges to expand hands-on training, modernize programs, and respond to the evolving needs of agricultural employers and rural communities. RCCA applauds the bipartisan leadership behind this effort and strongly supports its reintroduction," said Christopher Breitmeyer, President, Rural Community College Alliance.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE. A one-pager on the bill can be found HERE.

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