Thompson, Alford, Cuellar, Panetta Lead Effort to Bolster Agriculture Education
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Mark Alford (R-MO), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) today introduced the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act to improve agriculture education opportunities in our schools.
The GO Ag Act would create a $5 million grant program to help high schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. Schools could apply for competitive grants to cover classroom and laboratory instruction, teacher salaries, and curriculum development. With the most recent Census of Agriculture showing a rapidly aging farm workforce in the United States, it is critical to invest in programs that promote agriculture at an early age.
"The average age of a farmer in the U.S. is over 58-years-old; it’s imperative for both food security and our national security that we promote the next generation of agricultural leaders," Rep. Thompson (R-PA) said. "Investing in education is the most commonsense way to prepare individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture.”
“With the number of family-owned farms in America steadily declining each year, policymakers must take action to ensure our future food security is strong,” Rep. Alford (R-MO) said. “That’s why we’re reintroducing the GO Ag Act to create new educational opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. This is a commonsense way to ensure America’s farm economy will prosper for decades to come.”
"Agriculture is the backbone of South Texas, and the GO Ag Act gives students the tools they need to succeed whether they're pursuing careers in science, business, or hands-on farming," Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) said. "This bipartisan bill strengthens our rural communities, secures our food supply, and supports the future of our agricultural economy. By expanding learning opportunities, the GO Ag Act helps ensure the United States remains a global leader in food production and agricultural innovation for generations to come."
“We must invest in agriculture education to ensure the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and producers are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future,” Rep. Panetta (D-CA) said. “Our bipartisan Growing Opportunities in Agriculture Act would provide essential resources to local high schools, helping them launch and sustain programs that introduce students to the diverse and rewarding careers in agriculture. By supporting these initiatives, we’re cultivating future leaders who will help secure food production in California’s 19th Congressional District, across our country, and beyond.”
“At 4-H, we know hands-on learning in agriculture can spark a lifelong passion and a meaningful career. We applaud Chairman Thompson and the bill’s bipartisan co-sponsors for investing in youth to ensure a strong, skilled agricultural workforce for future generations.” – Jill Bramble, President & CEO, National 4-H Council
“We know there are many opportunities in the field of agriculture – from being a leader in your community to filling the need in the talent pipeline in one of the more than 350 careers in agriculture. The GO Ag Act would help cultivate future leaders in agriculture and help as we strive to fill the talent pipeline and feed the world.” – Scott Stump, CEO, National FFA
“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. 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.” – Bailey Fisher, Federal Affairs Specialist, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
“At a time when the average age of the American farmer is climbing closer and closer to retirement, getting students involved in agriculture is crucial. Agriculture education programs are one of the best ways to showcase the variety of careers available to young people and pique their interest in how the food, fiber, and renewable fuel we all depend on is grown. We’re grateful to Chairman Thompson for his leadership on this issue, as well as the bill’s co-sponsors, Representatives Alford, Cuellar, and Panetta, for their support.” – Sam Kieffer, Vice President, Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation
The GO Ag Act is also endorsed by: ACTE and Advance CTE.
Read the full bill text.