WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Congressman Don Davis (D-NC) introduced the Ag Vets Act, which codifies an existing Ag Vets program to direct the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to prepare veterans for agricultural employment opportunities.
Reps. Van Orden and Davis first introduced the Ag Vets Act in the 118th Congress, which was included in the base text of the House Agriculture Committee’s 2024 Farm Bill.
“Our veterans have the discipline and work ethic needed to succeed in America’s agriculture industry,” said Rep. Van Orden. “By expanding opportunities for veterans to enter agricultural industry jobs, we are not only supporting their transition to civilian life but also the farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to feed our nation.”
“As veterans transition from military service to civilian life, it’s crucial to provide them with the necessary training to succeed in agricultural careers,” said Congressman Don Davis. “The shortage of workforce in agriculture presents an opportunity to leverage the valuable skills that veterans possess. Training veterans for careers in agriculture can help ensure a steady supply of food and clothing for the American people and beyond.”
Specifically, the Ag Vets Act will require recipients that receive the grant to provide:
- Training and classroom education aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of farm and ranch business operations and management practices;
- Curriculum that veteran farmers and ranchers can adopt to help manage their enterprise;
- Education, workshops, tours, and instructor-supervised field experiences; or
- Support any other activity, as identified by the Secretary, to increase the number of military veterans pursuing knowledge and skills development in agriculture.
Read the full bill text here.
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