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Published on 09/04/24

Congressional Agricultural Fellowship offers students a look behind the political curtain 

By Liz Newlin
The Congressional Ag Fellows pose with CAES administration at the Ag Hill marker on UGA's South Campus.
In partnership with the offices of U.S. representatives Sanford Bishop, Austin Scott, Buddy Carter and Raphael Warnock, CAES offers a prestigious 12-week summer fellowship program that provides selected students with firsthand exposure to the legislative process and the creation of agriculture policy. (Photo by Sean Montgomery)

The Congressional Agricultural Fellowship is a transformative program for students in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, offering unique opportunities to engage with the legislative process and gain practical experience in agricultural policy.  

In partnership with the offices of U.S. representatives Sanford Bishop, Austin Scott, Buddy Carter and Raphael Warnock, CAES offers a prestigious 12-week summer fellowship program that provides selected students with firsthand exposure to the legislative process and the creation of agriculture policy. 

As Congressional Agriculture Fellows, students are immersed in activities that connect theory to real-world application. Fellows meet with constituents, attend committee hearings on agriculture, create briefs on important problems and research agricultural policies. At the end of the program, they are required to write up a summary of their experiences.  

The 2024 cohort

Eliza Jane Glover

Eliza Jane Glover, a senior majoring in agricultural communication, environmental law, and food and fiber marketing, served as a Congressional Agricultural Fellow in U.S. Rep. Rick Allen’s office. Although Allen is not a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glover’s role involved interacting with commodity groups and discussing important aspects of the farm bill. Her internship highlights how the program offers valuable insights and skills, even when not working directly with the agriculture committee. 

Reflecting on her experience, Glover, whose family owns Mountain Fresh Creamery and Glo-Crest Dairy in Clermont, Georgia, said, “This fellowship has deepened my understanding of the critical issues facing our agricultural community and has inspired me to continue advocating for positive change. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained will undoubtedly guide my future endeavors in public service and agricultural advocacy.”  

Jacob Manry Ford

Jacob Manry Ford, a senior majoring in agricultural and applied economics with a minor in environmental law, plans to attend law school and help manage his family’s peanut buying point, cotton gin and farm in Alapaha, Georgia. This summer, he interned with Rep. Austin Scott, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, as well as the intelligence, armed services and rules committees. The experience was marked by extensive learning opportunities, as Ford participated in meetings with agricultural advocates from across Georgia and the U.S. and attended key committee hearings, gaining a comprehensive view of policymaking. 

“Witnessing firsthand the advocacy for agricultural issues I’ve seen growing up was incredibly impactful,” Ford remarked. “This fellowship has significantly enhanced my professional development and solidified my commitment to returning to Washington, D.C., in the future.  

Michael Howard

Fellow Michael Howard, a third-year student studying agribusiness and agricultural and applied economics, interned in Rep. Buddy Carter’s office, where he attended briefings and hearings related to agricultural policy, engaged with stakeholders, and assisted with constituent relations, giving him a thorough understanding of the legislative processes and stakeholder interactions that shape agricultural policy. 

Jacob Harper

Jacob Harper, a third-year student majoring in agricultural communications and journalism, completed a fellowship in the office of Sen. Jon Ossoff. During his fellowship, Harper tracked legislation affecting the agricultural industry in Georgia, researched the potential impacts of avian influenza on Georgia producers, led tours of the U.S. Capitol and interacted with constituents. 

Gracie Grimes

Gracie Grimes, a fourth-year animal and dairy science major from Metter, Georgia, served as fellow in Rep. Sanford Bishop’s office. Grimes said her previous experience with the Georgia Farm Bureau provided a strong understanding of agriculture in the Southeast, but her congressional fellowship broadened her perspective on national agricultural issues. Her daily tasks included gathering news clips, answering phone calls, conducting research, and attending meetings with local farmers and key stakeholders. She also participated in negotiations involving the 2024 Farm Bill, wrote remarks for the 2024 Agricultural Appropriations Bill review, and contributed questions for a House Committee on Agriculture hearing.  

Creating connections

The latest cohort of fellows shared several common experiences that underscore the program’s value. The opportunity to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and participate directly in policymaking provided them with practical skills and a profound appreciation for agricultural advocacy. 

In addition to professional and academic growth, Fellows praised the networking opportunities afforded by the program. Meeting influential policymakers, advocacy groups and constituents provided CAES students with invaluable connections and insights into the workings of Congress. 

Supported by the Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia EMC, and Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Congressional Agricultural Fellowship enhances each participating student's academic journey and prepares them for impactful careers in agriculture and public service. With the skills and knowledge gained through this fellowship, these students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and beyond. 

Like many UGA programs taking place outside of the classroom, private support enhances the student experience and ensures funding in the future for this prestigious program. Interested in supporting these amazing CAES students? Make a gift through UGA's secure giving site.

 

Authors:
Liz Newlin
Experts/Sources:
Nick Place
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