U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on May 22 sponsored legislation that would create a federal program to award competitive grants for establishing and enhancing farming and ranching opportunities for United States military veterans.
“Military service instills character and skills in veterans that make them valuable employees across many industries,” said Sen. Moran, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
A provision he introduced in the fiscal year 2017 Agriculture Appropriations Act created a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture called the Food and Agriculture Resilience Program for Military Veterans, also known as the AgVets Program.
Since its inception in 2018, the AgVets Program has awarded project grants in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia and offered thousands of transitioning veterans opportunities in agriculture.
The proposed program under Sen. Moran’s Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2024, S. 4386, would build on the success of the AgVets Program by offering continued training and education for veterans on various farm and ranch business operations, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s staff.
“Named in honor of retired U.S. Army Colonel Gary LaGrange, who was instrumental in developing the AgVets pilot program, this legislation makes certain the program continues to help veterans enter the agricultural sector and find meaningful careers in farming and ranching,” Sen. Moran said.
If enacted, S. 4386 also would develop or identify curricula that veteran farmers and ranchers can adopt to help manage their enterprises; develop and implement education, workshops, tours and instructor-supervised field experiences; and support any additional activities to increase the number of veterans pursuing knowledge and skills development in agriculture, the summary says.
S. 4386 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee for consideration.