HI SB2928

Establishes an agricultural careers working group attached to the Department of Education to study and develop an implementation plan for career pathways in the agricultural sector.

Working group shall prepare a plan including career pathways from high school to postsecondary education aligned with current and projected agricultural workforce needs, including roles for career academies and industry-valued certificates.

Plan must address entry-level employment opportunities and career advancement paths toward living wages in agricultural careers such as scientists, inspectors, food producers, field technicians, natural resource managers, entrepreneurs, and farmers.

Working group shall submit an analysis of agricultural workforce needs to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2023 regular session and a complete implementation plan with recommendations and proposed legislation before the 2024 regular session.

Working group shall dissolve on June 1, 2024, and an unspecified amount shall be appropriated from general revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the working group's establishment and operation.