U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests in Higher Education for Diverse Agricultural Professionals

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a substantial $262.5 million investment to develop the next generation of diverse agricultural professionals. This program, funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is aimed at lowering costs for American families, broadening market access for producers of all backgrounds, advancing a clean energy economy, and strengthening supply chains.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the need for educating youth to create a sustainable, profitable, and equitable agricultural system. He noted, “This historic investment from the Biden-Harris Administration in our nation’s Minority-serving Institutions will help build a workforce that reflects our diverse communities.”

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) program, “From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals” (NextGen), is set to empower eligible institutions across the country, from New York to the Northern Mariana Islands. This includes 1890 Land-grant Universities, 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving Institutions, and others, alongside their partners. The initiative will support over 20,000 future leaders through 33 project partners, enhancing USDA’s workforce and offering educational support, experiential learning, and early career opportunities.

NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra stated, “Equity and diversity are central to our vision at NIFA. The NextGen program aims to prepare youth, especially those underrepresented, to be future agricultural problem solvers and hunger fighters.”

USDA, in collaboration with the Intercultural Development Research Association, will track the NextGen program’s impacts. The Department has also released two public dashboards for greater transparency on agricultural research funding investments.

The program aligns with USDA’s commitment to equity and improving access for underserved communities. As part of this effort, the USDA Equity Commission released interim recommendations to enhance research and education at minority-serving institutions.

Selected projects under this initiative include efforts by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Luna Community College, and North Carolina A&T State University, among others, focusing on diverse educational and experiential systems to prepare students for agricultural and STEM workforces.

Secretary Vilsack’s leadership and the Biden Administration’s vision to advance racial equity are evident in this initiative, marking a significant step toward nurturing a diverse and skilled future agricultural workforce.