Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Program

The Employment Development Department (EDD) is committed to working with California's agricultural employers and farmworkers by managing the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker (MFSW) Outreach Program. Through this program, specialized staff are located in offices that serve all regions of the state to help agricultural employers find skilled and qualified workers in a timely manner while also helping workers connect with employers and community resources.

The EDD has 31 significant AJCC offices, defined by the US Department of Labor as offices where at least 10 percent of its customers are MSFWs. These offices employ full-time, year-round, bilingual staff to conduct outreach and connect with MSFWs.

In addition, the EDD assists with the federal Foreign Labor Certification H-2A Program, which allows agricultural employers to bring foreign workers temporarily, when not enough qualified US workers are available.

Services for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

• Referrals to local supportive services such as low-cost medical services, housing, utility assistance, food banks, and childcare services.
• Assistance with filing Employment Services and Employment Related Law Complaints.
• General information about Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Paid Family Leave.
• Information about work and training opportunities through the EDD and community partners and CalJOBS^SM support for employers and job seekers.
• Access to computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and multilingual assistance where available.

You can review a summary of employment services for MSFWs and employers in the Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Program Brochure (DE 6073) (PDF).

Services for Agricultural Employers

• Assistance with posting job announcements in CalJOBS, California’s labor exchange system.
• Labor Market Information data such as: supply and demand, wages, and emerging occupations.
• General information regarding agricultural labor, health, and safety laws.

Monitor Advocate Office

• The Monitor Advocate Office (MAO) monitors the MSFW Outreach Program’s compliance with federal and state regulations.
• The MAO collaborates with federal and state regulatory and enforcement agencies to provide protection to farmworkers.
• Oversee the Job Service and Work Related Complaint system and ensures complaints are processed promptly and accurately.

Contact Us

• Phone: 1-866-289-8356
• Email: monitoradvocate@edd.ca.gov

For questions and additional information, contact your nearest America’s Job Center of California or call toll-free at 1-877-872-5627 (TTY 1-877-889-5627).

Employment Benefit Programs

• CalJOBS
  California’s online labor exchange system.
• Disability Insurance Provisions Brochure (DE 2515) (PDF)
  A comprehensive description of eligibility, benefit specifics, and a list of office locations and contact information.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) Brochure (DE 2511) (PDF)
  A summary of PFL services, eligibility requirements, and how you can apply.
• State Disability Insurance (SDI): SDI Online Tips for Claimants (DE 8515) (PDF)
  A quick reference guide to assist you in creating an SDI Online account and filing your Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave claim through SDI Online.
• Unemployment Insurance (UI): File Claims, Payment Information, General Information (DE 2320M) (PDF)
  A quick reference guide to assist you in filing and managing your UI claim, including a list of helpful resources.

Other Resources

• Consulate General of Mexico
  The Consulate helps Mexican citizens who are living or traveling in the United States (website only available in Spanish).
• La Cooperativa Campesina de California
  La Voz del Campo/Voice of the Field informational newsletter produced for California’s agricultural communities.
• Department of Social Services Resource Guide
  • Obtain information on housing programs, immigration assistance, food and cash aid, and child welfare programs.
  • Cal Fresh: California’s food stamps (SNAP) Program. Provides children and economically disadvantaged families with better access to food and a healthier diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition efforts.
• Department of Industrial Relations: Overtime for Agricultural Workers -FAQ
• US Department of Labor Programs for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
  The Employment and Training Administration provides a variety of services to farmworkers and agricultural employers.