U.S. Representative David Scott (D-GA-13) and U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), both members of the Bipartisan Congressional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, have secured funding in the 2018 Farm Bill for agriculture-focused scholarships at Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities across the country.
“This is Historic. A glorious example of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans, working together,” said Congressman Scott, member of the House Agriculture Committee. “I am especially proud of the $80M we have secured in funding for new scholarships for students attending the 19 African American 1890’s land-grant colleges and universities across the nation. These scholarships will play a critical role in providing greater assistance for beginning farmers, and providing financial scholarships to bring more young people of all races who attend these outstanding universities for careers in the wonderful, and exciting, and growing world of agriculture businesses. I thank Senator David Perdue for his help getting the scholarships in the Senate bill. This is a great blessing from God and we are thankful.”
“As a member of the HBCU Caucus, one of my top priorities is increasing opportunities for all students to pursue the skills they need to succeed,” said Senator Perdue, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Agriculture is Georgia’s number one industry and a major reason why our state continues to be the best state in the country in which to do business. In order to secure the future of farming in Georgia and across the country, we have to find ways to encourage diverse and qualified leadership and ownership in our agricultural community. These scholarships will help young farmers become the nation’s next agriculture leaders. I am very grateful for Congressman Scott’s commitment and perseverance in supporting our HBCUs in Georgia.”
Background on the amendment secured by Congressman Scott and Senator Perdue:
In the Second Morrill Act of 1890, the 1890s Land grant institutions must receive funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) every 5 years.
Currently, these funds can be used for three purposes: research, education, and extension as authorized by the Farm Bill. Senator Perdue and Congressman Scott’s amendment will add a fourth purpose – student scholarships – and will provide an additional $19 million dollars of funding annually for the 19 Historically Black Land-Grant colleges and universities.
The additional funds will be distributed by USDA and will apply to students with agriculture-focused studies, such as agribusiness, food production, distribution and retailing, clothing industries, and farming in marketing, finance, and distribution.
