Minnesota Launches $2.4M Program to Grow Ag Careers

By Scout Nelson

Governor Tim Walz has announced a $2.4 million initiative to support agriculture-focused workforce training across Minnesota. The new Growing Careers Program is designed to prepare Minnesotans for employment in the agriculture sector through skills training, job experience, and career development.

“Farmers drive our economy, contribute to a nation-leading industry, and most importantly, provide the food and raw materials that the rest of the world depend on,” said Governor Walz. “We should be supporting, training, and encouraging the next generation of farmers.”

Administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the program will offer grants of up to $500,000 to organizations developing agricultural training initiatives. These efforts will focus on dislocated workers and those needing support in developing basic job skills.

“DEED is proud to help establish career pipelines for people looking for family-sustaining wages in agricultural work,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek.

The program emphasizes paid job experience, career navigation, and support services for participants, increasing access to high-growth careers in agriculture, including new opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.

“This program supports DEED’s longstanding goal to connect more people to family-sustainable careers,” added DEED Deputy Commissioner Marc Majors.

Demand for agricultural jobs in Minnesota is rising. According to DEED, some career areas are expected to grow significantly over the next decade:

• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians: +14%
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Drivers: +5.8%
• Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers: +4.5%

“Agricultural workers are the backbone of our economy… This training program will help Minnesota continue to be an agriculture powerhouse,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.

The initiative is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, helping build a stronger, more prepared agricultural workforce for the future.

Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture