WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), both members of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the bipartisan Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts (ASPIRE) Act. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). 

The ASPIRE Act would establish a work-based agriculture training program within the USDA’s existing Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. This funding will help boost participation in apprenticeship and internship programs with local agricultural businesses, and create a pathway for more workers to enter the agriculture and farming sectors. 

“As a farmer, and as a father raising the fifth generation on our family farm, I know firsthand how important it is to make sure our future ag leaders are adequately equipped with the tools they need to succeed,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to help introduce the ASPIRE Act with Congresswoman Pingree and Senator Smith, which will help give those starting in the agricultural profession a solid foundation by facilitating relationships between local agricultural businesses and the next generation of industry leaders through work-based training programs.”

“As the average age of U.S. farmers continues to rise and more of our nation’s farmers near retirement, it’s critical that Congress work to support a new generation of farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Pingree, a longtime farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan ASPIRE Act with Representative Finstad. Through apprenticeships and internships, the ASPIRE Act will give beginner farmers and ranchers the hands-on experience they need to be successful—fostering a thriving new generation of farmers across the country.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Sen. Smith. “With food shortages, supply chain snags and a tight labor market around the world, it’s vital we support and grow our farming sector here at home. This legislation will provide work-based training programs to support a new generation of farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and around the country.” 

Background: 

Between the years of 2020 and 2030, the agriculture sector is only expected to grow two percent—lower than the average across other industries. Additionally, the average age of workers in the agriculture industry is climbing, and not enough younger workers are filling their shoes. Farmers under the age of 35 now make up only 9% of the agriculture workforce. In Minnesota, agriculture industry apprenticeships make up just 1% of the available apprenticeships.