$90M Grant Supports Farmworker Career Training in Oregon and Across U.S.

U.S. Department of Labor Awards $90M to Support Farmworker Career Training in Oregon and USPhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

SALEM, OR – Oregon farmworkers are set to benefit from a portion of the $90 million in grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor to support career services and training in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and Oregon. These grants, part of the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), are designed to help farmworkers and their dependents build skills that lead to higher-paying, stable jobs in both agriculture and non-agriculture sectors.

The Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC) will receive $2.47 million to provide career counseling, skills training, and work-based learning opportunities for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The aim is to equip workers with industry-recognized credentials that improve their job prospects and provide access to higher-paying jobs.

This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to create greater opportunities for agricultural workers, helping to build a more resilient workforce and foster partnerships between employers and worker organizations.

Nationwide Impact and Oregon’s Role

The $90 million in grants, overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, supports 51 organizations in total. Eight of these organizations, which had not received funding in the previous competition, were awarded $15.8 million. The funding is authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and is aimed at delivering workforce solutions that meet the needs of both workers and employers.

In Oregon, where the agricultural sector plays a key role in the state’s economy, the grants will have a significant impact on farmworkers who are vital to the region’s production of fruits, vegetables, and wine grapes. The OHDC has long been dedicated to supporting farmworkers and their families by providing job placement services, skills training, and other essential resources. With this funding, more farmworkers will have access to the services they need to thrive in the workforce.

Supporting Farmworkers Across the U.S.

Beyond Oregon, farmworkers across 44 states and Puerto Rico will also benefit from these grants, which will support job training, career services, and support programs that ensure workers can secure stable employment and advance in their careers.

States like California, Florida, Texas, and Washington will also receive significant portions of the funding to help local organizations provide similar services to farmworkers. These grants are critical in creating economic opportunities for migrant and seasonal workers, enabling them to transition into better-paying jobs.

For more information about the National Farmworker Jobs Program and how it supports farmworkers across the U.S., visit the National Farmworker Jobs Program.

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

The Republic News

Source: United States Department of Labor

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