A pair of Mississippi lawmakers is pushing bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding agricultural workforce training and education programs at community colleges across the nation.
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly and U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, both Mississippi Republicans, are touting the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act. The measure would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to give community colleges greater access to federal grant funding to develop and expand educational programs focused on careers in the agricultural sector.
Community and technical colleges have historically received less federal support than four-year institutions, despite serving as a critical pipeline for Mississippi’s agricultural workforce, the lawmakers assert.
Specifically, the legislation would establish a competitive U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program where the nation’s nearly 1,100 community colleges would apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture. On top of that, $20 million would be appropriated to the grant program.
Grant funding would be based on how closely institutions work directly with local agriculture operations to provide experiential training for students. Farm business management-related subjects such as finance and accounting as would also be eligible for funding.
“Community colleges are often the front door to careers in agriculture, especially in rural states like Mississippi with an extensive community college system,” Hyde-Smith said. “This bill gives those institutions access to resources that are too often out of reach. We think this is a smart and practical investment that will strengthen our agricultural communities and help ensure the next generation is prepared to meet the needs of this vital industry.”
Mississippi’s largest industry is agriculture, which yields a roughly $9.5 billion economic impact annually. The state also boasts 15 community colleges. The legislation is supported by the Mississippi Community College Board, Hinds Community College, Jones College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and other stakeholders.
Versions of the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act have been introduced in both the House and Senate but will need approval from both before going to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.
