Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2341

Introduced
7/18/23  

Caption

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.

Impact

The implications of SB2341 are significant for state laws as it proposes to allocate federal funds to various eligible institutions, including land-grant universities and community colleges, for the purpose of establishing or expanding agriculture workforce training initiatives. By systematizing support for agricultural education and training, the bill aims to encourage stronger links between education and industry needs, potentially leading to increased productivity within the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the bill outlines that at least 5 percent of the grant funds should be allocated towards recruitment and professional development efforts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to workforce readiness.

Summary

SB2341 aims to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to introduce grants for eligible institutions dedicated to agriculture workforce training programs. This initiative seeks to strengthen the agriculture sector by enhancing the skills and competencies of workers, thus directly addressing labor shortages and increasing retention rates within the industry. The bill emphasizes collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, facilitating a hands-on training experience that includes internships and apprenticeships designed to better prepare students for careers in agriculture.

Contention

While SB2341 has garnered support from many within the agricultural community, some points of contention may arise regarding the distribution and management of grant funds. Potential critics could argue about the effectiveness and equity of distributing these grants among different institutions, particularly concerning smaller or less established entities. Additionally, there may be concerns around the sustainable implementation of the training programs and whether the proposed initiatives will adequately address the evolving demands of the agriculture industry.

Companion Bills

US HB4861

Same As To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US HB4861

To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.

US SB1361

A bill to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for floodplain easement restoration and management, and for other purposes.

US SB2457

A bill to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Self-Governance, and for other purposes.

US HB10529

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.

US HB9936

To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 with respect to workforce development, and for other purposes.

US HB679

To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the matching funds requirement under the specialty crop research initiative, and for other purposes.

US SB2706

A bill to amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements relating to drought prevention, preparedness, response, and mitigation, and for other purposes.

US HB5062

To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which the Secretary will award grants to specialty crop producers to acquire certain equipment and provide training with respect to the use of such equipment.

US HB4978

Agricultural Worker Justice Act

US SB2601

Agricultural Worker Justice Act

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