EDD awards $9 million to strengthen California’s agricultural workforce system and farmworker communities

NR No. 24-04
Contact: Loree Levy/Aubrey Henry
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO – The Employment Development Department (EDD) announced today it has awarded nearly $9 million to 12 organizations to research, design, and implement projects to train farmworkers with the essential skills they need to pursue career pathways with upward mobility and higher wages.

“EDD is proud to support farmworkers and their families through these grants to strengthen the network available to provide career advancement services for these workers,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “These grants will provide individualized resources and training for California farmworkers, giving them direct access to greater opportunities to succeed.”

Awardees will work with industry leaders to research, design, and implement programs that provide quality training for opportunities within the agricultural field, including precision farming and agricultural technology, as well as in industries outside of agriculture. Training programs will focus on several areas including: English language, mathematics, digital skills, communications, and soft skills (such as conflict resolution and problem solving), as well as industry-specific agriculture software training.

The awarded organizations will also offer a holistic suite of wrap-around support services including case management, career and financial coaching, and referrals to health, housing, and educational resources.

Funding for these grants was provided through discretionary funds made available to Governor Gavin Newsom in compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and administered by the EDD and the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency.

These organizations were selected through a competitive application and evaluation process. Please refer to the table below for the organizations’ contact information to learn more about the services available with these funds.