Northwest PA News

U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Mark Alford (R-MO), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Katie Porter (D-CA) have introduced the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act to enhance agriculture education opportunities in schools across the nation. The act aims to create a $5 million grant program to assist high schools in covering the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs.

"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," expressed Rep. Thompson (R-PA), highlighting the importance of investing in agriculture education to prepare individuals passionate about a career in agriculture.

Rep. Alford (R-MO) emphasized the significance of educational opportunities in combating the loss of farms and ranches, stating, “This legislation will provide opportunities to allow the next generation to find their path in the agriculture industry.”

Representative Cuellar (D-TX) stressed the importance of investing in quality agricultural education to cultivate the next generation of South Texas farmers and ranchers, underscoring the role of such programs in providing real-life opportunities for high school students.

Similarly, Rep. Panetta (D-CA) highlighted the necessity of expanding agriculture education programs to nurture future farmers, ranchers, and producers, stating that the bipartisan legislation would support local programs in introducing young people to career opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Rep. Porter (D-CA) shared her personal experience, acknowledging the value of agricultural education for students and the nation’s economy, stating, “Our bipartisan push to expand opportunities in agriculture will help sow the seeds for the next generation of American farmers.”

Alissa Smith, CEO of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, emphasized the importance of the GO Ag Act in developing new school-based agriculture education programs to fill the agriculture talent pipeline and nurture the next generation of problem solvers in the field.

The GO Ag Act has garnered endorsements from various organizations, including The American Farm Bureau Federation, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, National FFA, National 4-H, ACTE, Advance CTE, California 4-H, California Farm Bureau, and the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAEE).