Local meat and poultry processing training programs

Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 is amended by inserting before section 404 (7 U.S.C. 7624) the following: 403. Local meat and poultry processing training programs (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Land-grant colleges and universities The term land-grant colleges and universities has the meaning given the term in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103). (2) Covered establishment The term covered establishment has the meaning given such term in section 26 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act. (3) Structured apprenticeship The term structured apprenticeship means an apprenticeship program that— (A) provides most of the training on the job in a meat or poultry processing facility; (B) describes in detail— (i) all of the competencies necessary to work in a meat or poultry processing facility; and (ii) the competencies that are necessary to own and operate a meat or poultry processing facility that is a covered establishment; (C) describes the level of knowledge, skill, and ability the apprentice ought to attain in each competency; (D) includes a component for someone other than the trainer— (i) to assess competency attainment; and (ii) to assure that all competencies are being addressed during the apprenticeship; (E) includes an individualized plan for each apprentice that— (i) considers prior knowledge, skill, and ability; and (ii) allows for apprentices to opt out of competencies irrelevant to their career goals; and (F) focuses on individuals who will work in or operate meat or poultry processing facilities that are covered establishments. (b) Institutional career training programs (1) In general The Secretary shall provide competitive grants to junior or community colleges, technical or vocational schools, nonprofit organizations, worker training centers, and land-grant colleges and universities to establish or expand career training programs relating to meat and poultry processing. (2) Applications for small grants The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application and reporting process for entities described in paragraph (1) applying for a grant under this subsection of not more than $100,000. (3) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030. (c) Processor career training programs (1) In general The Secretary shall provide competitive grants to covered establishments to establish or expand career training programs, including for structured apprenticeships, relating to meat and poultry processing. (2) Applications for small grants The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application and reporting process for entities described in paragraph (1) applying for a grant under this subsection of not more than $100,000. (3) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030..