SS SB 417 -- FARM MENTORING AND EDUCATION FUND

SPONSOR:  Goodman (Parson)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Agri-Business by a vote of 9 to 0.

This substitute creates the Farm Mentoring and Education Fund to
be administered by the Farm Mentoring and Education Authority
within the University of Missouri Extension Center.  The General
Assembly is authorized to annually appropriate up to $99,000 to
the fund.  The fund will provide educational training to help an
individual plan and begin traditional and sustainable farm
enterprises and pay the salaries for a program director and his
or her staff.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $0 to
$99,000 in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.  No impact on Other
State Funds of $0 in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the program is based on a model
developed in Minnesota and implemented as a pilot program in West
Plains last year.  The program consists of classroom education
administered by university extension services emphasizing the
business and financial aspects of farming and a mentor, who is an
established successful farmer, who will provide practical
agricultural guidance.

Testifying for the bill was Senator Goodman.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:22 am