Michelle Cable

The meeting of the Labor, Education and Development Subcommittee for the Governor's Intergovernmental Commission on Agriculture (GICA) focused primarily on apprenticeship programs within the agricultural industry. A representative from the Department of Labor discussed the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, covering registered apprenticeships, Earn Maryland, adult education, and correctional education. Key discussion points included the role of Apprenticeship Navigators in assisting employers to establish registered apprenticeship programs, which require a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction. The council deliberates on proposed programs based on curriculum and demand. The discussion explored the applicability of apprenticeships to various agricultural support roles, such as mechanics, construction, social media/marketing, and drone operation, noting that existing programs are strong in construction and skilled trades. The flexibility of the apprenticeship model for both small and large businesses was emphasized, including the possibility of Group Joint Apprenticeships, and the availability of incentives for startup costs.

The meeting, which was recorded in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, addressed updates on several items. In the education sector, there was no update provided on the local food exchange project. An update was given on the program of study standards, which were scheduled for board adoption in September, covering 48 programs across 12 career clusters and 152 CTE courses, including new pathways for plants and animals. The committee also discussed the upcoming comprehensive local needs assessment, a federal requirement for Perkins fund recipients, which evaluates programs of study against labor market information and student performance data, emphasizing stakeholder inclusion. The subcommittee reviewed the Maryland Rural Veteran Veterinarian Shortage Solutions Initiative, partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation, aimed at addressing the shortage of rural and food system veterinarians through tailored assessments and solution frameworks. A representative from MARBCO also mentioned an existing veterinarian loan program available to support rural vets. The meeting concluded after approving the July 2025 committee meeting minutes.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments regarding compliance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act and the recording of proceedings. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Key discussion items included Sunday hunting recommendations from stakeholder working groups, for which Farm Bureau expressed overall support pending final policy updates. A significant portion of the discussion focused on updates regarding the draft KO permit language. It was reported that the 19 AF permit expired, and a draft 25 AF permit was sent to the EPA for review, with high expectations for expedited processing due to engagement from the MDA Secretary and the Region 3 EPA administrator. The committee also addressed updates on a climate impact assessment report being finalized by the Hugh Center to support agricultural community resource requests to the legislature. Updates on leasing agreements were deferred due to the absence of DNR representation. No new or old business was brought forward before the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting began with recorded consent to being recorded under the Open Meetings Act, followed by introductions of various representatives from departments including Agriculture, Labor, Planning, Energy Administration, MSDE, Farm Bureau, Aging, and Marbidco. The main discussion centered on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program standards update, stemming from the Blueprint for Education. This process involved reducing 89 existing programs of study to 48 new guides, which were presented for a second round of public comment until August 6th. Key focus areas included developing core courses for Animal Science and Plant Science pathways, and identifying top industry needs for specialized courses like Equine Science and Renewable Energy. The goal is to prepare students for career readiness, post-secondary credit, or registered apprenticeships. Discussions also touched upon incorporating sustainability components into program titling and marketing.

The meeting addressed key agenda items including the review of Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) applications and general Veterinary Technician applications. No other business was conducted.