U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) joined U.S. Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to introduce legislation aimed at improving agriculture education opportunities in schools.
The legislation, Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag), would create a $5 million grant program that would help high schools cover the costs associated with starting up an agriculture education program. Schools could apply for grants to cover classroom and laboratory instruction, teacher salaries and curriculum development, officials said. The bill is designed to invest in programs that promote agriculture in students at an early age, as America’s farm workforce begins to age out.
“The average age of a farmer in the U.S. is over 58 years old,” Thompson said. “It’s imperative for both food security and our national security that we promote the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
“Investing in education is the most commonsense way to prepare individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture,” he added.
The legislation is needed to keep the ag workforce moving forward, officials said. The bill is supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, as well as other farm-based organizations.
“On behalf of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry and our over 25,000 members, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to U.S. Representative GT Thompson (R-PA) for introducing the GO Ag Act,” said Bailey Fisher, federal affairs specialist with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “Agriculture provides not only food security, but national security for Americans, which is why its rapidly aging workforce is a pressing issue that must be addressed. The GO Ag Act combats this threat to the industry head-on and provides a way for young people to find their place and passion within this diverse and vital industry.”