S. 2727: 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.

This bill aims to modify the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by introducing provisions for grants to support agriculture workforce training programs. Here are the key components of the bill:

Agriculture Workforce Training Program Grants

The bill introduces a new type of grant specifically for eligible institutions to establish and manage agriculture workforce training programs. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the agriculture sector.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

• Agriculture Workforce Training Program: A training initiative developed by eligible institutions in collaboration with industry partners. This can include:
  • Internships
  • Apprenticeships
  • Experience-based curricula
  • Educational programs and workshops to promote technical skills
• Eligible Institution: Institutions that qualify for the grants, which include:
  • 1862 Institutions
  • 1890 Institutions
  • 1994 Institutions
  • Non-land-grant colleges of agriculture
  • Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities
  • Centers of excellence
  • Junior or community colleges offering agriculture programs
  • Area career and technical education schools with agriculture curricula
• Targeted Industry Partner: This refers to entities that collaborate with eligible institutions, which may include:
  • A member of the agriculture industry, such as a company or industry association
  • An apprenticeship program registered under the National Apprenticeship Act
  • A nonprofit organization focused on employment in the agriculture industry

Grant Authorization

The Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will award grants to eligible institutions. The objectives of these grants are to:

• Encourage the growth of the agriculture industry
• Enhance competitiveness within the agriculture sector
• Improve training and retention of agricultural workers

Use of Grant Funds

Institutions that receive grants are required to dedicate at least 5% of the funds to:

• Initial recruitment efforts to engage students in the agriculture workforce training program
• Professional development of faculty to equip students for agricultural employment

Implementation Timeline

The Secretary of Agriculture must implement the new provisions of the bill by January 31, 2026.

Relevant Companies

• ADBE - Adobe Inc. might partner with educational institutions for software training in agriculture technology.
• AGCO - A manufacturer of agricultural equipment that could play a role as a targeted industry partner.
• DE - Deere & Company may also engage in partnerships for workforce training initiatives.