Community colleges and 2-year public college consortiums can now compete for federal grants to expand their agriculture and natural resources programs. Schools can use the money for new equipment, faculty development, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local farms and agribusinesses. Congress authorized up to $20 million per year from fiscal year 2026 through 2031, though actual spending requires a separate appropriations vote. Schools with standout programs can apply for a regional or national center of excellence designation that unlocks additional leadership funding.
Average Household Impact
- Community college agriculture training grants — up to $20M/year authorized 2026–2031, including apprenticeships and equipment
Congressional Summary
Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2025This bill allows the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make competitive grants to assist eligible entities (i.e., a junior or community college, or a consortium or alliance of two-year public colleges, supporting agriculture advancement) in maintaining and expanding their capacity to conduct workforce training, education, research, and outreach activities related to agriculture and similar disciplinesIn awarding grants, USDA must give priority to entities coordinating with a local agriculture industry operator to provide experiential training and other opportunities for students.Grant funds may be used to expand and maintain the capacity of the eligible entity, including through the purchase or other acquisition of equipment and other infrastructure, the professional growth and development of faculty, and the development of apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.An eligible entity may submit to USDA an application for designation and funding as a Center of Excellence for Agriculture Advancement. Funding received as a result of such a designation must be used to demonstrate agriculture best practices and to provide leadership in capacity building at a regional or national level.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-09-18
- Date Added
- 2026-06-24
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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