By Blake Jackson
Penn State Extension has received a grant from the Extension Foundation’s AgriProspects Workforce Development Network to support Spanish-speaking tree fruit growers and poultry farmers.
The project aims to enhance production efficiency, improve safety, and boost worker retention through English language training and agricultural education.
The program will focus on providing training in basic English conversation, job-specific vocabulary, and essential agricultural skills. Tree fruit workers will receive training in integrated pest management and food safety, while poultry workers will focus on biosecurity and poultry handling.
Maria Gorgo-Simcox, a bilingual horticulture extension educator, will lead the project alongside a team of experts from Penn State Extension. They will collaborate with key stakeholders in the fruit and poultry industries to ensure the program meets their specific needs.
This initiative addresses a critical need in the agricultural industry, where a significant portion of the workforce is Spanish speaking.
By providing language and skill training, Penn State Extension aims to improve worker safety, productivity, and overall well-being.
Jeff Hyde, associate dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and director of Penn State Extension, emphasized the importance of supporting Spanish-speaking workers. “Spanish-speaking workers deserve basic training to ensure success and advancement while employed in U.S. farming operations,” he said.
Through this project, Penn State Extension is committed to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural workforce. By providing opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, the program will help to strengthen the agricultural industry in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education