U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) recently signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to reauthorize agriculture education programs that he says have helped America’s students develop their interests, learn important skills, and pursue a career in agriculture.
“Education — especially agriculture education — is vital to the long-term success of our economy, rural communities, and our country,” Rep. Feenstra said. “The bottom line is we must invest in educating the next generation and supporting our teachers so that we can maintain Iowa’s status as the breadbasket to our country and the world.”
The congressman introduced the Future Funding for Agricultural Research, Mentorship, and Education Reauthorization Act, also known as the Future FARMER Act, H.R. 6292, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO).
If enacted, H.R. 6292 would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“In the United States, and specifically in Iowa, we have been blessed with the most fertile soil in the world, and over the last 100 years, we have witnessed a revolution in agricultural production when we combined the ingenuity of rural America with proper agricultural education and research,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As fewer people know where their food comes from and fewer young people are getting involved in agriculture, we are introducing this bill to continue our tradition of agricultural excellence and literacy in Iowa.”
Rep. Caraveo noted that farming and ranching are time-honored professions for families in her district, and she’s committed to ensuring young Coloradans have the educational opportunities to pursue agriculture careers and carry on this proud tradition.
“I am glad to work on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Feenstra to support food and agricultural science programs to teach the next generation of ag workers and business owners,” said the congresswoman.