Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2026

This bill would authorize the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants to community colleges and similar two-year public institutions to support workforce training, research, and education in agricultural fields. These funds could be used to acquire equipment, develop faculty, and establish work-based learning programs like apprenticeships, with priority given to schools that partner with local agricultural industries. Additionally, the legislation would allow eligible institutions to apply for designation as a Center of Excellence for Agriculture Advancement to provide regional or national leadership in agricultural best practices.

This bill primarily affects junior colleges, community colleges, and consortia of two-year public colleges that support agricultural advancement. Students at these institutions may benefit from expanded workforce training, apprenticeships, and experiential learning opportunities coordinated with local agriculture industry operators. Additionally, faculty members at these colleges are eligible for professional growth and development supported by the grant funding.

• Establishment of competitive agriculture grants. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to award competitive grants to community colleges and consortia of two-year public colleges to support workforce training, education, research, and outreach in agricultural disciplines.
• Prioritization of industry partnerships. Requires the Department of Agriculture to give priority to grant applicants that coordinate with local agriculture industry operators to provide students with experiential training and other hands-on opportunities.
• Authorized use of grant funds. Permits funding to be used for infrastructure and equipment acquisition, faculty professional development, and the creation of apprenticeships or other work-based learning programs.
• Centers of Excellence for Agriculture Advancement. Allows eligible entities to apply for designation and funding as a Center of Excellence to demonstrate best practices and provide regional or national leadership in agricultural capacity building.

The bill aims to strengthen the capacity of community and junior colleges to provide workforce training, education, research, and outreach in agriculture and related fields. It establishes a competitive grant program and a 'Center of Excellence' designation to support infrastructure improvements, faculty development, and work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships.