Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
- Committees
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 3, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a new grant program within the USDA to support military veterans in pursuing or expanding careers in farming and ranching through education and training.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grant program aimed at creating and improving farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. The grants would be awarded to various entities, including universities, state departments of agriculture, and nonprofit organizations, to provide training, education, and field experiences for veterans in agriculture.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a vital pathway for veterans transitioning to civilian life, offering them meaningful career opportunities in agriculture while simultaneously strengthening the nation's food production capabilities. It leverages the skills and dedication of veterans to address workforce needs in the agricultural sector.
Opponents contend
No significant organized opposition is typically raised against programs designed to support veterans in agriculture. However, some might question the administrative overhead of establishing a new grant program versus expanding existing initiatives, or raise concerns about the potential for the matching funds requirement to limit accessibility for certain organizations.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and straightforward evaluation by any interested reader.
Section 2, adding Section 414(a) to Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998
Establishment of Competitive Grant Program for Veteran Farming and Ranching Opportunities
This provision mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to create a competitive grant program. The primary goal of this program is to establish and enhance opportunities for veterans in the fields of farming and ranching, providing them with resources to develop careers in agriculture.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this program directly addresses the needs of veterans seeking new career paths, leveraging their discipline and work ethic for the benefit of the agricultural sector and their own economic well-being.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it aims to support veterans and agriculture, which are broadly popular goals.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension might be resource allocation, ensuring that the program effectively reaches its target demographic without duplicating efforts of existing veteran support or agricultural extension programs.
Section 2, adding Section 414(b) and (c) to Title IV
Defining Eligible Grant Recipients and Permitted Uses of Funds
This section specifies which organizations are eligible to apply for these grants, including cooperative extension services, land-grant universities, state departments of agriculture, and nonprofit organizations. It also outlines how the grant money must be used, such as providing training, developing curricula, offering workshops, and supporting other activities that increase veteran participation in agriculture.
Section 2, adding Section 414(d) and (e) to Title IV
Non-Federal Matching Funds Requirement and Funding Authorization
This provision requires grant recipients to provide non-Federal matching funds equal to or greater than the grant amount, ensuring local investment. It also authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the program.
Defines "veterans" by reference to an existing federal statute (38 U.S.C. 101(2)).
Section 414(a) refers to "veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States Code)."
Why it matters:It is standard legislative practice to avoid re-stating lengthy definitions and ensure consistency across federal law, rather than an attempt to conceal information.
Case for: Ensures a consistent and established definition of "veteran" is used, avoiding ambiguity or creating new, potentially conflicting definitions within different federal programs.
Case against: Requires a reader to consult external legal code to fully understand the scope of beneficiaries, adding a minor layer of complexity for those unfamiliar with federal statutes.
Estimated impact: Ensures the program benefits individuals who meet the established federal criteria for veteran status, which generally includes those who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.