Member Advisory

February 4, 2014

Congress passes long awaited Farm Bill

Strong Hispanic-Serving Institution provisions included

February 4, 2014 - This afternoon, the Senate voted 68-32  and passed the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. The House of Representatives passed the same bill by a vote of 251-166 on January 29.   The bill now goes to the President, who is expected to sign it into law.

Existing programs for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs) were reauthorized in the bill and a new program was added as a result of HACU’s efforts: a competitive grants program for Hispanic agricultural workers and youth, which HACU proposed as a way to support youth and adults who have no choice but to work in agricultural labor at a very young age.

“We are pleased with the passage of the Farm Bill and especially excited about a new program supporting opportunities for young migrant workers,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Challenges remain in the appropriations process to assure that these programs are funded, but we are especially grateful for the support and collaboration of the Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Frank Lucas, and his staff for bringing this latest HACU proposal into law. We also thank the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Debbie Stabenow, for supporting these efforts.”

The Farm Bill is the major federal legislation governing the nation’s agricultural and food policy. In addition to regulating and supporting the nation’s farmers, it includes the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), which supports the nutritional needs of the poor.

HACU Member Advisories are a service of the

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.