New ag workforce training program created within USDA under Emmer bill

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) on Tuesday proposed bipartisan legislation that would establish a work-based agriculture training program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ramp up workforce development in America’s agriculture and farming sector.

“The strength of our nation’s food security rests on the shoulders of the hardworking men and women of our ag community,” Rep. Emmer said. “Unfortunately, this industry faces an aging workforce coupled with endemic labor shortages.”

The congressman sponsored the ASPIRE Act, H.R. 8425, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) to create the new training program within USDA’s existing Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The new program would fund participation in apprenticeship and internship programs with local agriculture businesses, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Emmer’s office.

“We are proud to lead this effort, which will provide hands-on experience and invest existing funds in our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Emmer. 

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and the Minnesota Farmers Union endorsed the bill.

“These apprenticeships and internships will be particularly beneficial for people who are interested in a career in agriculture, but aren’t involved in a generational operation,” said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish. “Likewise, apprenticeships and internships allow existing farmers to pass on their knowledge.” 

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

“As the average age of U.S. farmers continues to rise, and more of our nation’s farmers near retirement, it is crucial that Congress work to support a new generation of farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Pingree. “That’s why I am co-leading the bipartisan ASPIRE Act, which will provide beginning farmers and ranchers with the hands-on experience they need to be successful through apprenticeships and internships.”