AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative.
HB 356 creates the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative within KRS Chapter 247 and assigns administration to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, working through its local offices and, where appropriate, with other organizations. The initiative is designed as a pilot program beginning September 1, 2025, in one or more extension offices, with broader implementation beginning September 1, 2026, as funding allows, and possible scaling in 2027.
The bill’s purpose is to promote farming, agriculture, agribusiness, and efficient land use in urban counties, while educating youth about urban agriculture and related best practices. It also encourages age-appropriate, hands-on, and work-ready programming, including internships and apprenticeships. The program is intended to be available through extension offices serving urban counties, with one-year terms beginning in January and participation limited to youth ages 5 through 18 who have parental permission and can participate for the full term.
HB 356 would add a new statutory section to Kentucky law establishing a statewide youth agriculture initiative focused on urban counties, and it would formally place program administration with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The bill creates a framework for pilot implementation, eligibility standards, program duration, and potential expansion, but it does not itself appropriate funding or mandate universal rollout; implementation depends on available funding and local office capacity. It would affect the Extension Service, participating local offices, youth applicants, and any partner agricultural organizations involved in delivery.
The available voting history shows strong support for the bill in the House, passing third reading 98-0 on March 6, 2025. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous vote suggests the measure was viewed favorably and without significant opposition at that stage. Overall, the bill appears to have been received as a positive youth-development and agriculture-education initiative.
There is little evidence of major contention in the available record, but the bill’s structure leaves some discretion to local extension offices, including how many participants can be accepted and whether to partner with existing agricultural organizations. Potential practical questions may involve funding, staffing, and how the program will be implemented across urban counties, especially because full expansion is contingent on available resources. The bill also limits eligibility to youth ages 5 to 18 and requires parental permission, which may shape access and program design.