US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB2727

Introduced
9/4/25  

Caption

A bill 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.

Impact

The introduction of SB2727 is expected to have a significant impact on the cultivation of a skilled workforce in the agriculture industry. By providing grants, the bill aims to foster partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders, thereby ensuring that training programs are aligned with the needs of the agricultural sector. This initiative is crucial in addressing current labor shortages in agriculture, which have been exacerbated by changes in technology and farming practices, thus potentially enhancing the industry's overall productivity and competitiveness.

Summary

SB2727 aims to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to develop and implement agriculture workforce training programs. This legislation is designed to enhance the workforce in the agriculture industry by promoting training opportunities through various educational methods such as internships, apprenticeships, experience-based curricula, and workshops. The bill is essentially an investment in human resource development within the agricultural sector, targeting institutions that can best fulfill these needs.

Contention

However, as with many legislative efforts, there may be points of contention surrounding SB2727. Discussions could arise regarding the allocation of grants and how well they target the diverse array of institutions involved in agricultural education. Concerns may also be raised over the effectiveness of the proposed training programs and whether they can adequately meet the evolving demands of the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the implementation timeline set for January 31, 2026, may invite scrutiny regarding its feasibility and the readiness of institutions to develop these programs swiftly.

Companion Bills

US HB5138

Related ASPIRE Act Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts Act

Previously Filed As

US SB3851

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

US HB7518

To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

US HB8507

Precision Agriculture Workforce Training and Development Act

US SB3580

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make cost-share grants for retrofitting agricultural tractors with rollover protection structures, and for other purposes.

US A4637

Authorizes Department of Agriculture to designate "School of Agriculture for Next Century," to support education, research, and workforce development in advanced agricultural technologies.

US HB6944

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to make cost-share grants for retrofitting agricultural tractors with rollover protection structures, and for other purposes.

US SB473

Agriculture - Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program - Expansion

US HB1234

Conservation of agricultural land.

US LD1739

An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Support Maine's Agricultural Sector, to Create an Agricultural Buildings Property Tax Exemption and to Direct the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Study Barriers to Its Financial Assistance Programs and Study the Potential for a Common Application for Those Programs

US HB1904

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee and a Rural Climate Alliance Network. The advisory committee, within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist, must review and make recommendations on the agency's long-term and short-term national policies and priorities for (1) data collection for climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (2) agricultural climate research.The Rural Climate Alliance Network must coordinate the provision of agriculture climate research, climate data, extension, and technical assistance for agricultural producers, the food and agricultural industry, nonprofit organizations, and researchers. The bill defines an agricultural producer as an individual who is engaged in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, or another occupation relating to agriculture.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges faced by agricultural producers that may impact agricultural producers' climate change resilience. The report must also include recommendations for further action by federal departments and agencies that are based on best practices.

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Authorizes Department of Agriculture to designate "School of Agriculture for Next Century," to support education, research, and workforce development in advanced agricultural technologies.

CA AB1731

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TX HB5339

Relating to the establishment by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of a grant program to support the study of regenerative agriculture at public institutions of higher education.

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HI HB2595

Relating To Regional Agriculture And Food Production.

US HR691

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Relating to the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority and certain programs administered by the authority.