Policy Resolution AGR-26-17

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the vital role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and land-grant institutions play in strengthening America’s agricultural economy, advancing food security, promoting equity, and training the next generation of agricultural leaders;

WHEREAS, the NBCSL passed “CLOSING THE FUNDING GAP BETWEEN LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS” (EDU-24-15) that called for closing the funding disparity between HBCUs and non-HBCU land grant peers;

WHEREAS, the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 established the nation’s system of land-grant universities, including 19 HBCUs designated as 1890 land-grant institutions, which have long served as engines of opportunity for African American students in agricultural science, research, and rural development;

WHEREAS, despite their essential contributions, 1890 land-grant institutions have been systematically underfunded for decades in comparison to their 1862 land-grant counterparts, with cumulative disparities in state matching funds and federal support estimated to exceed $12 billion according to the U.S. Department of Education and the USDA Office of the Inspector General;

WHEREAS, these funding inequities have limited the ability of HBCUs to expand agricultural research, recruit and retain faculty, modernize facilities, and provide hands-on training in critical areas such as climate-smart agriculture, food system innovation, agribusiness, technology, and supply-chain development;

WHEREAS, HBCUs and other land-grant institutions are at the forefront of addressing national priorities including food insecurity, sustainable farming, rural and urban economic development, and equity in agricultural policy;

WHEREAS, many HBCUs also serve as vital community anchors in food desert and low-income areas, operating extension programs, student farms, and food system incubators that connect academic research to community impact; and

WHEREAS, expanding agricultural and food systems programming at these institutions will build a stronger pipeline of Black and minority farmers, food entrepreneurs, policy professionals, and scientists prepared to lead the next era of U.S. agriculture and food security.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) calls upon Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and all state legislatures to increase and equitably distribute funding for HBCUs and land-grant institutions through:

• full and permanent parity in state and federal matching funds for 1890 and 1994 land-grant universities;
• increased investment in agricultural research, innovation, and infrastructure modernization at HBCUs;
• dedicated funding for food systems, nutrition, and agribusiness programs that serve urban and rural communities alike;
• strengthened partnerships between land-grant institutions and community-based organizations, small farmers, and emerging agricultural entrepreneurs;
• expanded extension and outreach services to support socially disadvantaged and Black farmers through technical assistance, legal education, and market development; and
• support for student scholarships, internships, and fellowships to grow a diverse agricultural workforce;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL urges the establishment of a National HBCU Agriculture and Food Systems Innovation Fund to provide flexible grants for research, training, and infrastructure that advance food justice, climate resilience, and agricultural equity; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials and agencies as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: AGR-26-17
• Sponsored by: Rep. Sonya Marie Harper (IL)
• Policy Committee: Agriculture and Conservation Policy Committee