Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6580
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Vote Date: 3/11/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/9/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.
REASONS FOR BILL:
Many young people today do not know the farm to table connection, they do not know where
their food comes from. This bill requires UConn to study establishing or expanding food
agricultural literacy programs of study and community outreach programs by increasing
interactions with rural, suburban, and urban farms.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Dr. Indrajeet Chaubey, Dean, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, UConn
testified and submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
Dr. Chaubey indicated three key points have arisen this year, which bring this issue to the
forefront for our College.
The COVID pandemic created a crisis in the area of food availability and food access;
The Governors Council on Climate Change (GC3) has deliberated how to best address
food and plant production in a sustainable manner; and
The College embarked on a strategic visioning process where we conducted surveys and
held forums around the state and asked CT citizens what they wanted to see the College
offer with regard to agriculture, health and natural resource research/experiment station
needs, teaching and outreach.
There is a great need to start young and introduce preschoolers to where their fruit and
vegetables come from before they eat them at home or school. The COVID pandemic has
shown us we need to get back to basics and create more community gardens. This will also
help with health disparities that are impacted by food choices.
High school students need to know there are choices in our state agri-science and
aquaculture schools to assist with career exploration.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Bruno Venero supports this bill stating that agriculture is not only about farming but living a
sustainable lifestyle. He indicated that agriculture is required to sustain our basic needs for
food and clothing and that this bill would pave the way for students to understand and
respect the process of the agricultural industry.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None.
Reported by: Jeanie Phillips, Clerk Date: March 12, 2021
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