Columbia News

Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), together with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), has introduced the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act. The legislation aims to enhance agriculture education in schools by establishing a $5 million grant program for high schools.

The GO Ag Act would allow schools to apply for competitive grants that can be used for classroom and laboratory instruction, teacher salaries, and curriculum development. This initiative comes at a time when the average age of farmers in the United States is rising, highlighting concerns about the future of the agricultural workforce.

“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 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.”

Rep. Thompson emphasized the urgency, stating, "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. Investing in education is the most commonsense way to prepare individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture.”

Rep. Cuellar noted, "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. 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."

Rep. Panetta added, “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. 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.”

Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council commented: “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.”

Scott Stump, CEO of 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.”

Sam Kieffer from American Farm Bureau Federation stated: “At a time when the average age of American farmer is climbing closer and closer to retirement, getting students involved in agriculture is crucial. Agriculture education programs are one of best ways to showcase variety of careers available to young people and pique their interest in how 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 bill’s co-sponsors Representatives Alford Cuellar Panetta for their support.”

The GO Ag Act has also received endorsements from ACTE and Advance CTE.

Mark Alford currently serves as U.S. Representative for Missouri's 4th district after replacing Vicky Hartzler beginning with his term starting in 2023 (https://alford.house.gov/about). He was born in Baytown, Texas; he graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a BA degree before moving into public service.