The bill would allow community colleges to access grant money for agriculture programs, equipping next generation of farmers, agriculture workers with workforce, educational, and research training
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-01) reintroduced the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act, a bipartisan bill which would fund community college workforce training, education, and research programs in agriculture.
Many community colleges, which often serve first-generation and students of color, already offer training for future farm workers. But community college agricultural programs have been excluded from federal funding opportunities. The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would correct this, ensuring that community colleges can access federal grants to bolster agricultural programs.
“Agriculture is the leading industry on the Central Coast, yet the funding meant to sustain the next generation of farmers isn’t reaching our community colleges,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This bipartisan bill strengthens the resources available to the community and technical colleges that educate and train our country’s agricultural workforce.”
The bill would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow community colleges to access grant money for agriculture programs. The bill would establish a competitive U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant program wherein the nation’s nearly 1,100 community colleges could apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture.
Specifically, a community college that receives a program grant could use the funding to:
- Successfully compete for funds from federal grants and other sources to carry out educational, research, and outreach activities.
- Disseminate information relating to agriculture, renewable resources, and other relevant communities.
- Encourage collaboration involving community colleges, land grant universities, and other higher education institutions.
- Purchase equipment and other infrastructure.
- Advance the professional growth and development of faculty.
- Develop apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.
Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California’s 24th Congressional District, encompassing Santa Barbara County and portions of San Luis Obispo County and Ventura County.