WASHINGTON – House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott released the below statement following today’s announcement of American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act funded programs by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

“I applaud today’s announcement rolling out opportunities to address access to land and capital for underserved producers and efforts to train and recruit the next generation of agriculture professionals by USDA. For nearly two decades, I have advocated for underserved producers and the institutions that support them in Congress. As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I have continued to serve as a champion for both of these groups – a role I hold in high regard. Through the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress provided funding to help ensure we are giving underserved producers and the next generation of producers the proper support they need to succeed and thrive in our agriculture industry,” said Chairman David Scott.

“The programs announced today will deliver upon the commitment we in Congress and the Biden Administration have made to invest in equity and our underserved producers. I am particularly excited about the funding opportunity for our 1890 Land Grant Institutions and other Minority-Serving Institutions to expand upon the tremendous work they do in research, education, and extension. This funding will prepare students who attend these institutions to enter the agricultural workforce and diversify its ranks,” Chairman David Scott continued.