By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $2.4 million in grants to seven organizations through its Growing Careers Program. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural workforce by supporting training programs for individuals entering agriculture-related careers.
“Minnesota farms are facing new challenges because of policies coming out of the federal government,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “DEED's seven Growing Careers partners will not only alleviate some of that pressure by establishing career pipelines for new entrants into agriculture-related fields, but they will also create opportunities for Minnesotans to overcome barriers to full-time employment through specialized training in a growing industry.”
The Growing Careers grants, worth up to $500,000 each, will fund workforce development programs that help dislocated or low-income workers gain agricultural skills. These efforts aim to increase the number of new and emerging farmers, helping meet employer demand and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Marc Majors emphasized the importance of agriculture to Minnesota’s economy. “Agriculture is a key industry in Minnesota's economy and contributes billions of dollars in total economic impact, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs,” he said. “These training programs will strengthen our agricultural workforce and set pathways for long-term success in high growth fields for years to come.”
Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen added, “In an industry marked by change, the one constant is the need for dedicated agricultural workers. This program is an important investment in our future and offers opportunities to cultivate the next generation of on- and near-farm professionals, ensuring Minnesota remains as an agricultural powerhouse.”
The Growing Careers Program, funded by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, will support on-the-job training, career navigation, paid work experiences, and worker support services. The seven grant recipients include Anoka County Job Training Center, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Otter Tail County, Rural Minnesota CEP, Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, and Workforce Development Inc.
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Categories: Minnesota, Education, Government & Policy