To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 with respect to workforce development, and for other purposes.
Impact
The proposed amendments would impact how federal resources are allocated for agricultural education, aiming to prepare a skilled workforce for the agricultural sector. By establishing grant frameworks that support work-based learning, the bill addresses the urgent need for trained professionals in agricultural and food sciences. The allocation of $60 million annually from fiscal year 2025 through 2030 signifies a commitment to enhancing such educational initiatives, thereby potentially increasing the number of skilled workers entering the field.
Summary
House Bill 9936 seeks to amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to enhance workforce development initiatives related to food and agricultural sciences. The bill aims to provide specific funding mechanisms and grant opportunities to support educational programs, particularly at junior colleges, community colleges, and postsecondary vocational institutions. It emphasizes the inclusion of work-based learning as a key component of educational strategies, thus attempting to bridge the gap between academic training and practical application in the workforce.
Contention
While the bill primarily focuses on strengthening agriculture education, there may be points of contention related to the management of resources and the specifics of how educational programs are defined and supported. Critics could argue that the emphasis on certain types of institutions may overlook other vital educational pathways or that the competitive nature of grants might put smaller programs at a disadvantage. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the effectiveness of funded initiatives to truly meet the demands of the agricultural workforce.
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.
To amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize and modify the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs, and for other purposes.
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.