Department of Labor sets $91.8M to assist migrant, seasonal farm workers

The U.S. Department of Labor announced April 13 the availability of up to $91.8 million in grant funding to support the economic stability of farmworkers through the National Farmworker Jobs Program.

Overseen by the department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP)is a nationally directed, locally administered competitive grant program that provides funding for community-based organizations and public agencies to provide career services, training services, youth services, related assistance services and housing assistance to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents. ETA awards NFJP grants every four years though a Funding Opportunity Announcement.

“During this unprecedented time of economic disruption caused by the coronavirus, we must support our nation’s food supply and the farmworkers critical to maintaining it,” said Assistant Secretary of the Employment and Training Administration John Pallasch. “Communities that invest in their farmworkers are investing in America’s farming industry and its future.”

The $91.8 million in grant funding  will be awarded to eligible entities, such as state workforce agencies, workforce agencies of outlying areas, non-profits or Tribal organizations to support projects designed to:

• Help farmworkers and their dependents acquire necessary skills to either stabilize or advance in their agricultural jobs or obtain employment in new industries or occupations; and
• Assist these individuals in securing safe and sanitary permanent and temporary housing.

NFJP grantees awarded under this announcement must actively partner with the State Monitor Advocates and nearby American Job Centers to deliver comprehensive, work-based learning services and create pathways that lead to better economic outcomes for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents.

Learn more about grant eligibility and how to apply.

Authorized by Section 167 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and appropriated by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, this round of NJFP funding will be awarded in two categories – housing and career and training. The department intends to award an estimated 52 career and training grants totaling approximately $85.2 million and an estimated 7-20 housing grants totaling approximately $6.1 million. Applicants may receive funding in one or both categories, but must submit separate applications if they wish to apply for funding in both categories.

ETA administers federal job training and dislocated worker programs, federal grants to states for public employment service programs and unemployment insurance benefits. These services are primarily provided through state and local workforce development systems.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.