AG VETS Act

This bill would create a USDA grant program to help military veterans get started in farming and ranching through training and education. The grants would go to colleges, cooperative extension services, state agriculture departments, nonprofits, community groups, and similar partners that provide hands‑on learning and classes for veterans. It sets aside $5 million per year for 2026 through 2030 to run the program.

Grant funds could be used for classroom instruction, farm business training, ready‑to‑use curricula, workshops, tours, and supervised field experiences that build real skills. Grantees must put up non‑federal matching funds equal to the grant amount. In short, it’s a plan to expand “learn by doing” pathways into agriculture for veterans.

• Who is affected: Military veterans seeking farming/ranching skills; colleges and extension services; state agriculture departments; nonprofits and community groups.
• What changes: USDA would award competitive grants for veteran-focused ag education and training; recipients must match every federal dollar with non‑federal funds.
• When: Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2026–2030.