Senate committee backs Farm Bureau‑funded elementary agriculture pilot
March 01, 2023 | EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
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Representative Bruce Kozart and Lindsey Rucker of the Arkansas Farm Bureau presented House Bill 1336 to create a three‑year agriculture education pilot for kindergarten through sixth grade aimed at exposing students to the state’s agriculture industry. The program would start in the 02/2526 school year and place one pilot school in each of six state districts to be selected via application and random draw administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Kozart said the Farm Bureau will fully fund the curriculum and that “there’s no cost to the state.” Rucker described the curriculum as supplemental, voluntary and free: “It is supplemental. It is not meant to replace any type of curriculum that your kids are already being taught in the schools. It is supplemental. It is free, and it is voluntary.”
Rucker told the committee the plan mirrors a Georgia Department of Education program and emphasized the statewide economic importance of agriculture, citing large national production figures and long‑term food‑security concerns.
Committee members asked about the selection process and capacity; presenters said the Farm Bureau’s existing district network will staff outreach and the department will establish the official procedures. With no registered opposition in the hearing room, the committee voted to report the bill favorably to the full Senate.
The bill now advances to the chamber for further consideration.
Kozart said the Farm Bureau will fully fund the curriculum and that “there’s no cost to the state.” Rucker described the curriculum as supplemental, voluntary and free: “It is supplemental. It is not meant to replace any type of curriculum that your kids are already being taught in the schools. It is supplemental. It is free, and it is voluntary.”
Rucker told the committee the plan mirrors a Georgia Department of Education program and emphasized the statewide economic importance of agriculture, citing large national production figures and long‑term food‑security concerns.
Committee members asked about the selection process and capacity; presenters said the Farm Bureau’s existing district network will staff outreach and the department will establish the official procedures. With no registered opposition in the hearing room, the committee voted to report the bill favorably to the full Senate.
The bill now advances to the chamber for further consideration.
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