Sponsors (4)
The bill directs modest, predictable federal funding to expand veteran-focused agricultural training and support institutions to build programs, at the cost of limited overall reach and barriers for smaller organizations due to matching requirements and provider preferences.
Veterans who want to start or manage farms and ranches gain expanded access to training, workshops, and hands-on field experiences that improve their ability to enter agriculture.
Rural communities could see increased small-scale farm and ranch activity and related workforce development as veterans enter agriculture supported by the program.
Colleges, cooperative extensions, and nonprofits receive predictable federal support ($5 million per year FY2026–FY2030) that enables multi-year planning, partnerships, and development of veteran-focused agriculture curricula and hands-on programs.
Smaller nonprofits and community-based organizations may be unable to participate because grant recipients must provide non‑Federal matching funds equal to the grant.
Veterans nationwide may receive limited help because the program’s $5 million annual appropriation is modest relative to likely demand, restricting the number served.
Small training providers and some veterans seeking direct subsidies could be disadvantaged because the program prioritizes certain providers (land‑grant/HSACUs and extensions).
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a USDA competitive grant program providing $5M/year (FY2026–FY2030) for training and outreach to help veterans enter farming and ranching, with a required 1:1 non‑Federal match.
Official title: To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which the Secretary will award competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching opportunities for veterans.
Introduced February 12, 2025 by Derrick Van Orden · Last progress February 12, 2025
Creates a new USDA competitive grant program to fund classroom training, curriculum, workshops, and hands-on experiences that help military veterans enter or expand farming and ranching careers. Grants go to land‑grant colleges, extension services, State agriculture agencies, nonprofits, community groups and consortia, and require at least a 1:1 non‑Federal match. Authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to run the program and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer it and identify eligible activities that increase veteran participation in agriculture.