HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has announced a $1,325,699 investment to fund Penn State University’s Agricultural Workforce Development Project. This initiative, part of the Farms & Agribusiness Workforce Engagement Grant program, aims to equip the Commonwealth’s robust agriculture sector with the workforce support needed to maintain its competitive edge on a national scale.
The agriculture industry plays a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy, with more than 53,000 farms supporting over 600,000 jobs and contributing an estimated $132.5 billion annually. By addressing the workforce challenges faced by farmers and agribusinesses, this grant supports Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader economic development strategy.
“As we work to ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture, we must support the many small farms and agribusinesses facing challenges with attracting and retaining skilled workers,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “The Shapiro Administration has chosen Penn State to lead this critical project, which will strengthen the foundation of our agriculture economy for decades to come.”
Project Focus Areas and Key Initiatives
The Agricultural Workforce Development Project will tackle several pressing issues facing the industry, including recruitment, training, and retention of skilled workers. Specific objectives include:
- Registering 1,000 farms and agribusinesses with the Commonwealth Workforce Development System while increasing awareness of PA CareerLink® services.
- Providing at least 10,000 hours of technical assistance to 100 farms and agribusinesses, focusing on employee management, workplace safety, HR practices, and legal compliance.
- Educating workforce providers on the unique needs of the agriculture sector by hosting events with industry leaders and workforce experts to explore trends and challenges.
Penn State will manage these initiatives in partnership with L&I and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), working closely with local workforce development boards. Through this collaboration, the program is expected to expand access to workforce resources and foster long-term stability within the agriculture sector.
Commitment to Agricultural Growth
The investment aligns with the Commonwealth’s commitment to positioning agriculture as a key economic driver. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, stating, “Investing in a strong agricultural workforce is critical to the future of Pennsylvania’s farms and our economy. This partnership with Penn State represents an investment in the future, ensuring agriculture continues to thrive as a fundamental pillar of Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Looking Ahead
Pennsylvania’s $1.3 million investment is an example of the state’s effort to empower its agricultural workforce to meet current demands while positioning the industry for sustained growth. Projects like this reinforce the state’s leadership in agriculture and underline the vital role workforce development plays in supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, Pennsylvania is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous agriculture sector.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.