WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., Mark Alford, R-Mo., Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., have 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,” Thompson said. “Investing in education is the most commonsense way to prepare individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture.”

The National 4-H Council supports the measure.

“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,” said Jill Bramble, president & CEO.

Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA, said, “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.”

Bailey Fisher, federal affairs specialist, The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, said, “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 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.”