Panel backs bill to create Virginia Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence

Delegate presented House Bill 1909 proposing a Virginia Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence to develop a statewide plan, align industry credentialing, and coordinate stakeholders to strengthen agricultural education and workforce pipelines.

The sponsor said agriculture is Virginia’s leading industry and the commission would bring together the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, educators, farmers, universities and industry to avoid duplication and prepare a skilled workforce. Martha Moore of Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia Agribusiness Council told the committee a strategic review was done in 2012 and praised the proposal as similar and necessary. Agricultural educators and dozens of students appeared in person and online to voice support. Jessica M. Jones, an agricultural educator and FFA advisor, told the committee the bill would codify the work of more than 330 ag teachers and 42,000 students and help protect credentialing opportunities such as pesticide applicator exams for students.

Delegate Rasool moved to report and refer the bill to appropriations; he also suggested working with stakeholders to tighten membership and lower the commission’s proposed size from 30 to reduce cost and improve effectiveness. The motion to report and refer passed 8 to 0.

What’s next: HB 1909 was reported and referred to the House Appropriations Committee 8-0; sponsors and stakeholders said language refinements and membership size remain under discussion.