MC CLAIN DELANEY INTRODUCES BILLS TO ADDRESS AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION WORKFORCE SHORTAGES

Maryland Representative April McClain Delaney has joined Delegate Eugene Vindman of Virginia to introduce two bills that aim to invest in the agricultural conservation workforce. The Agricultural Conservation Mentorship Act would allow retirees in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Experience Services Program to serve as mentors for conservation interns and the Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act would expand opportunities for students and support programs that prepare the next generation of professionals in these critical fields. McClain Delaney says building a workforce starts with investing in community colleges, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programs, and the bills will help with that.