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House advances plan to expand elementary agriculture education statewide
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Summary
The House adopted a committee substitute to end a pilot and allow local districts to offer agriculture education statewide beginning in 2027–28, with DESE coordinating teacher training; supporters said it strengthens food‑system literacy and pipeline programs such as FFA and 4‑H.
Jefferson City — Lawmakers on the House floor on Feb. 24 voted to perfect and print a committee substitute that would end the current elementary agriculture pilot and authorize the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer the program statewide to districts that opt in beginning in the 2027–28 school year.
The gentleman from Boone, who sponsored the substitute, said the program began with roughly 20 schools and has expanded through partnerships with local agricultural groups, FFA, 4‑H and Missouri Farmers Care. He said DESE would coordinate training and use regional professional development centers for teacher support and that local districts would choose whether to participate. "This builds on the great momentum these programs currently enjoy," he said.
Members from both rural and urban districts spoke in favor, citing hands‑on learning, improved literacy and math connections, and the value of early exposure to careers in agriculture. One member described a classroom garden where students learned to plant and cook produce; another noted the governor's recent visit to a Missouri Farmers Care presentation.
Sponsor remarks identified the fiscal impact as dependent on how many schools choose to participate and on training costs; members said that the bill had bipartisan support in committee and was refined to address fiscal concerns.
The House adopted the committee substitute and agreed to the title by voice vote and ordered the substitute perfected and printed.
What the bill would do - End the pilot program for elementary agriculture education and authorize statewide implementation for districts that opt in beginning in 2027–28. - Direct DESE to coordinate training and technical assistance and to work with commodity, extension and community partners.
Next steps The perfected and printed committee substitute will proceed toward the Senate for further consideration.
