USDA to host online seminar on farm labor pilot program

The USDA is offering online seminars and office hours to address questions about the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program.

The competitive grant pilot program provides up to $65 million in funding support to agricultural employers for implementing robust labor standards to promote a safe, healthy work environment for both U.S. workers and workers hired from northern Central American countries under the seasonal H-2A visa program, according to a news release.

The purpose of the pilot program is to improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by addressing challenges agricultural employers face with labor shortages and instability, the release said.

The USDA recommends all interested applicants register for at least one of the scheduled online seminars to better understand the basic program requirements, eligibility, and key components that affect an applicant’s award level and competitiveness, the release said. In addition, some webinars target populations that may face unique challenges in accessing the grant or participating in the H-2A program for the first time.

The basic overview of the pilot program will be given in an Oct. 25 event that starts at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Registration is available online.

For more information on office hours and other online seminars about the pilot, visit this USDA website.