Senate Bill No. by Senator Barrow aims to establish a new pilot program called "Farm-Ed" within the framework of agricultural education in Louisiana. The bill amends existing law (R.S. 17:185.6) to include the Farm-Ed program alongside the agricultural education immersion pilot program, ensuring that both initiatives are implemented as quickly as possible using available funding. Additionally, the bill enacts a new section (R.S. 17:185.7) that mandates the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to collaborate with the state Department of Education to create the Farm-Ed program, which will integrate controlled environment grow chambers and relevant curriculum into classrooms from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The proposed legislation outlines that BESE and the state Department of Education will be responsible for establishing rules and regulations for the Farm-Ed program, including determining which schools will participate and how funds will be allocated. This initiative is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and aims to enhance agricultural education by providing students with hands-on learning experiences in controlled environments.

Statutes affected:
SB180 Original: