By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $262 million initiative to recruit and train the next generation of agricultural workers in new technologies. The project will target two Missouri universities, Lincoln University in Jefferson City and Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) in Rolla.
Missouri S&T will develop coursework and training for technologies that are becoming more commonplace in the agriculture sector, such as precision agriculture and drone technology. The goal is to help students become knowledgeable about these technologies and how to use them to support sustainable agriculture practices.
Lincoln University, a historically Black college, will focus on recruiting a more racially and geographically diverse workforce in agriculture. The university will reach out to suburban and urban schools to show students the opportunities for a career in agriculture. The goal is to address the racial inequities that have long been a barrier for people of color entering the agriculture industry.
Both Missouri S&T and Lincoln University are expected to launch their initiatives in the coming months. The grant funding will last for five years.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy