US Department of Labor announces grant competition to provide career training to farmworkers

WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant competition for the National Farmworker Jobs Program. Funds will be used to provide career training and employment and supportive services to improve economic opportunities for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families.

"Farmworkers — harvesting and packaging the vegetables and fruits that feed a nation — are vital to our economy. These Labor Department grants will be an investment that benefits not only these workers but all of us," said acting Secretary Seth D. Harris.

The National Farmworker Jobs Program helps farmworkers upgrade their agricultural job skills or acquire new skills in industries that offer higher wages and more stable employment. In addition, the program provides supportive services such as child care, housing assistance and transportation, which remove barriers to farmworkers pursuing training, and enable them to begin new careers or retain their employment.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations and public agencies that assist farmworkers and their families in attaining greater economic stability. A total of approximately $9.6 million is available for grants to operate the program in central California, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey and Puerto Rico.

The National Farmworker Jobs Program is authorized by Congress in Section 167 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to counter the impact of chronic unemployment and underemployment experienced by migrant and seasonal farmworkers who depend primarily on agricultural jobs.