Minnesota Ag Connection — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $2.4 million in grants to seven organizations through its Growing Careers Program. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural workforce by supporting training programs for individuals entering agriculture-related careers.

“Minnesota farms are facing new challenges because of policies coming out of the federal government,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “DEED's seven Growing Careers partners will not only alleviate some of that pressure by establishing career pipelines for new entrants into agriculture-related fields, but they will also create opportunities for Minnesotans to overcome barriers to full-time employment through specialized training in a growing industry.”

The Growing Careers grants, worth up to $500,000 each, will fund workforce development programs that help dislocated or low-income workers gain agricultural skills. These efforts aim to increase the number of new and emerging farmers, helping meet employer demand and strengthen the agricultural economy.

Read more on Minnesota Ag Connection